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by mark_l_watson·5mo ago·view on hn ↗

I think that I understand you. I started programming in the mid-1960s as a kid and now in my mid-70s I have been retired for two years (except for occasional small gigs for old friends). Nothing special about me but I have had the pleasure of working with or at least getting to know many of the famous people in neural networks and AI since the mid-1980s.

My current passion is pushing small LLMs as far as I can using tools and agentic frameworks. The latest Qwen 3.5 models have me over the moon. I still like to design and code myself but I also find it pleasurable to sometimes use Claude Code and Antigravity.

I had dinner with Marvin Minsky once. Learned to program a Symbolics machine. We share a little history, I think. I've been interested in AI for the last forty years.

I decided that applications of AI were where I am going. I feel the pull of small LLMs. The idea of local is very appealing. But, at our age (I also started in the sixties), I've learned that too many irons in the fire means I get nothing done.

Congratulations on retaining your spirit. Many of my age-appropriate friends cannot comprehend the idea of working so hard for fun.