Not with a Bug, But with a Sticker

Acknowledgments

To paraphrase Milton, the subject of this book pleased me, long choosing and beginning late. It was my pandemic sourdough, but it would still be just unleavened flour and water without the contributions of so many.

Collaborating with Hyrum on the book was the easiest decision I have ever made. Diomedes, said it best, when he picked the all powerful Ulysses as his companion for a quest: “When two men are together, one of them may see some opportunity which the other has not caught sight of; if a man is alone he is less full of resource, and his wit is weaker.” Hyrum is an adversarial ML researcher non pareil, all powerful, ever kind, and I am grateful, like Diomedes, for having Hyrum on this journey and making my wit stronger in the process.

David Fugate is the stuff of legends in the literary world. In my friend's immortal words, “How on Earth do you and Andy Weir have the same agent?” I honestly don't know. What I do know is that David's superpower is listening. At every turn, David would hear our questions, thoughtfully analyze the situation, proceed to provide an unseen perspective, and then navigate the situation like a consummate professional. He is a superstar, and we are lucky he is in our orbit.

Jim Minatel, our editor at Wiley, shaped this book with intention and care. He nudged us, challenged us, guided us at every turn, and coaxed the best in us. Hyrum and I are grateful to Jim for his omnidirectional leadership; to Rick Kugen, for his keen eye; and ...