{
  "id": 13703340,
  "title": "Knuth reward check",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/knuth-reward-check-13703340",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-10T15:47:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hacker News Best",
    "slug": "hacker-news-best",
    "url": "https://www.thomas-huehn.com/knuth-reward-check/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Twenty years ago, a remarkable letter arrived - a letter from Donald Knuth, the esteemed computer scientist. He confirmed an error I had discovered in one of his books and sent me a coveted check. This letter, part of computer science folklore, is a testament to Knuth's commitment to accuracy. Thousands had reviewed his works, yet I, a relative newcomer, had stumbled upon a typo. After months of double-checking, I finally alerted Knuth, despite initial dismissal from a university genius. The error was in \"Computer Modern Typefaces\", a lesser-read volume. It appeared on page one, in the first word, earning me the designation \"E1\". Knuth's check, however, is now a fantasy certificate from the Bank of San Serriffe, reflecting the value of $2.88, courtesy of an erroneous $1.20.",
  "summary": "Article URL: https://www.thomas-huehn.com/knuth-reward-check/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50034081 Points: 198 # Comments: 71",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hacker News",
        "title": "Knuth Reward Check",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/knuth-reward-check",
        "published": "2026-10-10T15:47:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}