Listers,
A sometimes heated discussion on the Zlist concerning the pros and cons of
one differential over another, prompted the chain below. I thought I'd share
it with you because I think it reflects the attitudes we encourage here.
If you don't subscribe to the other lists, I would suggest it. The zcar and
bluebird lists often post very topical and useful information. Sometimes
directly relating to some of the systems on our roadsters, but mostly, good
general mechanical information that relates to any vehicle restoration
project. I monitor both in digest form.
The following reposted with approval from the author, Carl Beck.
Victor Laury
70 SRL31113136
Los Angeles
------------------------------
From: Carl Beck <beck@becksystems.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 01:21:38 -0600
Subject: Re: <all> Value of Personal Experience and Opinion
At 2:45 PM -0600 11/10/99, John Coffey wrote:
>Maybe I'm the only one here, but sometimes I'm reluctant to post something
>(yeah right, John) that is not backed up with some empirical testing that
>supports my opinion or experiences. Granted, that kind of testing adds a
>significant amount of credibility to the information provided and is very,
>very valuable. But, anecdotal information and opinion also offers some
>value and does contribute to the overall mass of knowledge of the IZCC
>community. As long as the basis of the information is clear then I think
it
>should be posted to this "discussion group."
Hi John (everyone) :
I think you make a good point. This forum is supported for the
"Discussion" of Z Car related threads. The word "discussion" in our stated
purpose, is intentional.
No one forum, no specific medium, no single format will please everyone.
Some people like to "debate", some like to "argue"... Indeed some feel that
interaction and immediate response, or interactive replies are important.
Others would perfer that all discussion be deleted and only the factual
bottom line be presented in a concise manor. For them, there are lots of
different offerings on the net today.
The Z Car List has stuck with the e-mail based medium in large part because
it supports "discussion". That is, it allows time for thoughfull dialogs
on any number of subject areas to take place. No one should feel that
their opinions or experiences aren't important to the group. Nor should
they feel that just because counter points are made, that their imput is
deminished in any way.
Public discussion in this manor, has it's own built in checks and balances
that assure quality of information. The process works best when several
people are involved.
As you correctly point out - the broader the participation in the
discussion, the larger the knowledge base being shared - the higher the
likely hood that useful and correct information, will in the end, result.
>So, I'm thinking about including one or more of the following disclaimers
on
>anything I post that is not backed up with some real world testing:
>
>1. These are all my personal opinions.
>2. I have not performed any quantifiable, repeatable tests in controlled
>conditions to prove or disprove the results described.
>3. I am not using the true scientific method.
>4. The following is only anecdotal information that will never be
>applicable
>in any real life situation in this universe or any parallel universe that
>may or may not exist.
>5. I am probably involved in some conflict of interest somewhere, but I
>swear I never inhaled.
>6. Your mileage may vary.
>7. Don't run with scissors.
>
>What do the rest of you folks think?
I think most of us, when following a discussion thread, kind of filter any
of the dialogs through several of the above "disclaimers" ourselves. None
the less, some of them would always be a good reminder too. Humans have a
way of hearing what they want to hear or expect to hear...
None the less, I've always been amazed at the knowledge and experience base
that the subscribers to this list represent. So I'm with you, I'd like to
see more people join in on discussion threads, where they have something
to contribute. Thoughtfull opinion, personal experience, individual
perspectives are all a very important contribution to a group discussion.
8) ...of course there are those that would disagree;-)
FWIW,
Carl
|