[Hallicrafters] Sharing Question Answers

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

The purpose of this list is the mutual sharing and dissemination of information.
This can be done one of two ways.	
	
1. The list is currently set so when you use the 'reply' button it goes to the
sender. Hence, if Joe posts a question on the list and Tom answers him using the
'reply' button, it never appears on the list. It is private and not shared. If
Tom uses the 'reply to all' button, then it goes to the original sender, Joe,
and also to everyone on the list.	
	
2. I can set the list so that the default is to the list, not to the original
sender. This way when Tom replies to Joe's question, the reply goes to everyone
on the list, not just to Joe. 	
	
I am well aware that many of you reply in private and the valuable information
is never shared with the other list subscribers. If it goes to the list, it is
also sent into the archives where it remains for about thirty months. It can be
found using a search engine. 	
	
I have asked many times for those replying to questions of a technical, or radio
related nature, to please share this information with the list subscribers.
After all, that is the purpose for the qth.net lists existing to begin with.
Unfortunately some of you continue to ignore this and respond only privately.
Yes, I know who it is. There are ways to monitor this activity.	
	
Every time the list is set to reply to the list, instead of the sender, some of
you whine and complain. Many other lists operate this way without any great
pains, sleepless nights or other adverse consequences. I can set the list either
way, it is after all, the choice of the list administrator to set/configure
his/her list as they deem appropriate.	
	
I am observing about 40% of the replies being private. This means the person
asking the original question is left with the choice of cutting and pasting the
replies into a single post and sending it to the entire list or simply doing
nothing. It is unfair to expect the person asking the question to post the
replies, when the person responding could do it to both the person and to the
list. The benefit is then to everyone, not just one individual. 	
	
Do not consider this as a threat, as it is not intended to be one. The purpose
is to share information. I am asking those of you who respond privately to also
post the answer to the list. I am going to keep an eye on the numbers of private
responses for the next six weeks. If it decreases, I will leave the list set as
it is. If it does not decrease, I will change the list default to 'reply to
list'. The issue here is sharing information, not stepping on personal
preference toes.  	
	
Way too much valuable information is being lost at the present time. It needs to
stop. People subscribe to this list to get information and people search the
archives to find information. So please post the replies to technical questions,
and radio related issues, to the entire subscriber list so everyone can benefit.
I am going to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. 	
	
Duane Fischer, W8DBF	
List Administrator