The Nature of Questions (fwd)

Lachlan Cranswick ( lachlan@dmp.csiro.au )
Wed, 15 Nov 95 16:48:28 EST

> To: rietveld@xtal.cmc.uab.edu
> Subject: The Nature of Questions
>
> The most recent and very honest question posted by a graduate student from
> Alfred University (..preferred orientation and GSAS...) constitutes a perfect
> example while answers should be forwarded to the questioner only (Mr. Hewats
> position). If all subscribers get bombarded with answers addressing the very
> basics of crystallography and powder diffractometry then this forum will
> become unattractive very soon. There is double work: the deletion of
> questions and all their answers.
>
[stuff deleted]
> Ludwig Keller

I'm more supportive of the idea that we
encourage what might appear trivial questions
and answers on common and uncommon Rietveld
(and thus some crystallographic) queries until any
problem eventuates. It is easier to discourage usage
of a mailing list than to get it back and a lively
mailing list is more fun (and useful) than a dead one?
One of the main aims of the mailing
list is that of a self help group -
especially for the un-initiated who might find some parts
of the Rietveld method merging into the black arts.

--------

I must admit (on multiple occassions) having found it
exciting to post out what might appear a trivial
query to a newsgroup/mailing list with the result
of obtaining a number of opinions (some contradictory),
bumping into people with similiar problems - and also learning
possibly novel "tricks of the trade" that could not
be gleaned from any of the literature or software manuals.

The possibility of the discussion going into an interesting
tangents is also available. My conclusion - bring on the queries -
trivial and otherwise - with follow-ons to the mailing
list. The email delete button is always handy and a
Rietveld newsgroup will hopefully be available
in the forseeable future.

Cheers,

Lachlan.

-- Lachlan M.D. Cranswick          _--_|\  lachlan@dmp.CSIRO.AUCSIRO - Division of Minerals   /CSIRO \ tel +61 3 9647 0367339 Williamstown Rd,           \_.--.*/ fax +61 3 9646 3223Port Melbourne, Australia, 3207      v   (http://www.dmp.csiro.au/tour/lachlan.htm - Still under construction)