#: 11614 S10/OS9/6809 (CoCo)
    04-Aug-91  09:57:31
Sb: #11561-you better read this
Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255
To: PaulSeniura 76476,464 (X)

Paul,

Thanks for taking the time to respond with a very well thought out argument. I
can appreciate your frustration, but to place the blame on the entire OS9
community is pretty heavy.

I've been associated with the forum for a long time (both as a user and as
'staff') and can offer this observation:

When in Rome ...

It's been my experience that an approach to a problem that starts out with
dumping a disertation to the libraries, calling for comment on multiple issues,
then looking for discussion in the message base never seems to work. I've seen
it fail with a call for a standard regarding MV, issues revolving around the
now-defuncted UG and a handful of other topics.

What I _have_ seen work is to take the same multiple issues, break them up into
smaller single topics and start a discussion in the message base. Folks tend to
respond better, are more apt to talk off the top of their head, and some good
ideas result. Of course this places the burden of compilation of thoughts upon
you as the 'moderator', but I think you're up for it!

This technique has worked extremely well with the development of the first UUCP
port to the CoCo. Mark would call for comments on a single facet of his
efforts, retreive the offered feedback, chew on it off line and respond with
some code fragment for us to pound on.

It also worked fantastically with the development of the imfamous Level II
upgrade. Hidden behind the scenes in a private subtopic, library and conference
area, this type of give and take went on with over a dozen individuals.

Development by committee works .... it's the approach that needs careful
application.

The OS9 forum has a great reputation for helping out. I'd be happy to offer my
assistance, but I'm user ... not a techician. Your knowledge of the subject
matter is far and away past mine. I'd suggest that it's the same for many
others as well. We're overwhelmed by the scope of what you've presented.

Piece it out and let's see what happens.

Steve