1) What fields can MNT be applied to, but are *not* fruitful topics of discussion on sci.nanotech?
Like "computers," "nanotech" will probably be applied to every field of human endeavor, making obsolete certain techniques and automating others, augmenting existing capabilities and creating entirely new ones. The range of applications is so broad that it's not particularly useful (in year 2000) to speak of specifics, particularly not in sci.nanotech, a newsgroup devoted to the technology itself. It would be like asking
how can computers affect art?in comp.graphics.algorithms, comp.os.research or sci.engr.semiconductors. {PET}.
2) Is there a 2nd edition of "Engines of Creation" planned and how would it differ from the 1st edition?
There is a second edition planned and it needs help. Go to www.foresight.org and see if you can contribute.
3) What do all those abbreviations mean?
For those new to the group there will be a fair amount of abbreviation used by regulars on the net that may not be understood. Here are a few of the more common encountered in sci.nanotech.
AFAICT As Far As I Can tell BOTE Back of the Envelope (Rough estimate calculation) FWIW For What It's Worth IAC In Any Case IANAD I Am Not A Doctor IANAL I Am Not A Lawyer IIRC If I Recall Correctly IIRCAITID If I Recall Correctly And I Think I Do imo in my opinion IMHO In My Humble Opinion IOW In Other Words