Eugeny Finkel

Eugeny Finkel

Leader and writer
Date of Birth: 12.08.1963
Country: Israel

Content:
  1. Biography of Evgeny Finkel
  2. The Beginnings in the Internet
  3. Entry into the News Business
  4. MIGnews and Personal Projects
  5. Writing and Publishing
  6. Encounters with Prominent Figures in the Computer Business
  7. The Motivation behind Writing the "Encyclopedia of Search"
  8. Personal Interests and Family
  9. Views on Terrorism
  10. Legacy

Biography of Evgeny Finkel

Evgeny Finkel is a multifaceted individual, working as an author, performer, and editor. Although he is not familiar with renowned figures like Gates or Norton, he finds pleasure in writing about them. Despite his lack of recognition, Finkel has managed to secure interviews with prominent figures like Grady Booch, even earning $50 for one. He obtained his degree in information technology from the Moscow Institute of Petrochemical and Gas Industry, which was known as the "Gubkin Institute" at the time. However, Finkel never pursued a career in the oil industry, instead working as a young scientist, physics teacher, publisher, and more.

The Beginnings in the Internet

Finkel's journey in the internet world has two significant milestones. The first occurred in April 1992 when he was introduced to the possibilities of the internet through a National Geographic program in Russia. The second milestone took place in October 1996, shortly after Finkel immigrated to Israel. It was during this time that Antosha Nosik, a close friend, enlightened him about the advancements the internet had made in recent years. This revelation inspired Finkel to pursue a career in the internet industry upon his arrival in Israel.

Entry into the News Business

Finkel believes that the news business, as a standalone entity, does not exist, at least not in the strictest sense, especially in the Russian language. Instead, he perceives it as part of the broader internet business. Finkel and his friend, Lev Braginsky, along with the current editor of "Utro.ru" newspaper, Mischa Gurevich, attempted to make money through internet service provision in Jerusalem at one point. However, their venture was unsuccessful, leading Finkel to accept that he was not cut out for independent business pursuits. Since then, he has worked as an employee, first in a reputable financial company and then at MIGnews.

MIGnews and Personal Projects

Finkel clarifies that MIGnews is not his project, but rather an idea that predates his involvement. He serves as the editor of MIGnews. Aside from his work at MIGnews, Finkel has personal projects as well. He recently released a book titled "Internet. Encyclopedia of Search" in Israel. His previous book, "Internet. Your Way Out!", has transformed into the "Encyclopedia of the Internet" and is now hosted on a Ukrainian server. Finkel also has a beloved project called "Heroes of Our Tribe," which tells true stories about renowned computer scientists. It was through this project that he first connected with the interviewer.

Writing and Publishing

Finkel initially declined the interviewer's request to publish his articles on Peoples.ru but unexpectedly gave permission after a year and a half. He explains that money and fame govern his decisions. At that point in his life, he only allowed the publication of his work for financial gain. However, when he realized that it did not significantly improve his financial situation, he abandoned the pursuit of wealth. Regarding the right to publish any articles on the MIGnews.com website, Finkel fully supports the editorial policy of sharing information.

Encounters with Prominent Figures in the Computer Business

When asked if he personally knows any influential figures in the computer business, Finkel questions the criteria for measuring their greatness. He believes that the size of a person's fortune or their appearance in publications like "Vanity Fair" or "Peoples.ru" does not determine their significance in the computer industry. For Finkel, the most prominent person in this field is Professor Miron Burikhovich Rappoport, a geophysicist from his alma mater, the "Kerosinka" Institute. Finkel has had the opportunity to extract a few words from Grady Booch himself and was even paid around $50 for the interview. However, he has since stopped chasing after the big names in the computer technology world.

The Motivation behind Writing the "Encyclopedia of Search"

Finkel confesses that his motivation for writing the "Encyclopedia of Search" was driven by self-interest. He had a strong desire to replace his old GMC Blazer with a new one. Although he acknowledges that it will not happen, he found himself unable to abandon the project once he realized it. Despite the book's appeal and educational value, Finkel does not plan to release it on the internet, as he fears it will be pirated, just like the "Encyclopedia of the Internet."

Personal Interests and Family

Finkel's personal website features him with a guitar, which he explains is one of his hobbies. He has been playing the guitar since his early school days and enjoys entertaining himself and others with it. His website also showcases his poetry, although he admits that his passion for writing poems waned after his first marriage. However, he occasionally finds himself compelled to write something spontaneously.

Finkel is a family man with two wives and two children, a daughter, and a son. His family is split between Moscow and Jerusalem, reflecting his dual locations and commitments.

Views on Terrorism

As someone who lives within a few hundred meters of the front line, Finkel finds the topic of terrorism particularly relevant, especially in Israel. He supports harsh measures against terrorists. The September 11 attacks occurred during his shift, which initially shocked him. However, he realized that it would bring people closer together, and life would eventually return to normal. He holds no strong belief in the triumph of good over evil or in enduring Russian-American-Israeli friendship.

Legacy

Finkel's grandmother used to say that a good Jewish boy should plant a tree, have a child, and write a book. While Finkel has concentrated on the latter two, he intends to broaden his horizons and become a gardener as well. As for his position in life and on the People's History project, Finkel likens himself to the founders of a Party for Sexual Minorities, who created a faction called "Me and Me" where he has a reserved spot. However, he emphasizes that he does not contribute financially or participate actively in public events. He humorously concludes by mentioning that he named his son Billy.

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