new classiccmp.org service

[Jay West]

Tony wrote...
> I've taken a look at it, and I am not yet convinced this is a Good 
> Thing...
I welcome constructive criticism!

> In a couple of cases, I disagree with the advice given.
You're allowed, entitled, and encouraged to disagree. That's what the "add 
comment" feature is for! Or better yet, post your own article on the 
subject. I'd prefer the KB to be less "conversational", that's what the list 
is for. Instead, I'd prefer if an alternate post is more along the lines of 
"Here's what *I* think, and why".

>.... That's
> what's great about this list, we have discussions here, nobody really
> tries to be 'God' when it comes to technical matters. Alternative ideas
> help a lot.
I agree wholeheartedly, and I don't think the KnowledgeBase in any way 
detracts from that spirit. That's why I specifically encouraged people to 
post articles on the same topic as others (or at their own discretion just 
post comments to an existing article), so that there wasn't a purported 
"single right answer". Possibly my intent was misunderstood. The knowledge 
base isn't meant to be "the word of god", it is meant to be advice 
(occasionally opposing advice) from people with experience such as yourself. 
Also, bear in  mind, the KB doesn't replace the list. This list is the place 
for discussion. The KB is a place to put forth the distilled results of that 
discussion, which may well contain opposing viewpoints.

> The points I've noticed so far that I disagree with are :
>
> 1) Buy a cheap Dial Test Indicator. My view : I am not rich enough to buy
> cheap tools!
I definitely see your point. The spirit of my post was directed at those who 
are on a budget, and there's a lot of dial test indicators out there that 
cost several hundreds of dollars median price. My own thought was that given 
a tight budget, a few hundred dollar dti wasn't going to make it into a new 
collectors toolkit. I would rather them have a cheap one, and be able to 
learn how to replace a platter, than try to do it without one at all, or 
worse, not restore a system because they can't afford an expensive DTI. Your 
point is just as valid though. Which is why I encourage you to post a 
comment to my article on that point, or post your own article on the same 
topic!

> 2) Get a digital storage scope. My view : I've never used a DSO 'in
> anger', and
... snip...
I happen to agree with you on this point though. But... see above and 
below...

> I am a bit worried that the knowledgebase will be taken as the 'gospel
> truth'. I'd much rather have these sorts of things discussed here (or at
> least complete discussions preserved). Many of use have our own way of
> doing things. This doesn't make one of us right and the rest wrong. But I
> feel it's best to present as many views as possible and let the
> questioner decide what to do.

Tony, I must respectfully admit that I am a little confused why you were 
left with the opinion that the KB was meant to be the "gospel truth". 
Differing viewpoints are most welcome and encouraged. Perhaps it was my 
statement that I don't want the KB to become a "conversation", in that light 
I can see why you might be left with that impression. In reality, I simply 
don't want it to be a tit-for-tat argument, or much back and forth. What I'm 
driving at is completely different viewpoints on a given subject are 
perfectly fine in the KB. Let the reader decide. Perhaps you thought my 
moderation of the posts indicated that.

In the final analysis, the only way the knowledge base will become what you 
are concerned it may become, is if you don't post articles with your own 
views. If you do, then there's no way it can become that.

Regards,

Jay West