[Milsurplus] Re: [ARC5] Rebecca - Eureka list ??

[David Stinson]

"J. Forster" wrote:
> You make some valid arguments, because having everyone under one tent maximized the
> likelihood of finding that missing piece of the system you collect, 
> but as a matter of
> fact, ARC-5 or WS 19 stuff rarely is discussed on generalized lists.
> There are a number of other systems which receive essentially zero attention 
> on these lists also.
That's my point exactly- they don't occur here, because the people
aren't here- they're over there.  As a result, every WS-19 or ARC-5
posting
is "preaching to the choir."  New people are not given the chance to 
become interested, the guy with the rare accessory in his barn is not
reminded to dig it out and offer it, etc.

> For example, when was the last post about an MN-26 or RA-10 or R.1155 /
> T.1154 or APN-1?
If the people who know about them have isolated themselves to a 
"single issue" list, and they posts these "related system" articles
to that list, then you're never *going* to hear about them under the
"big tent" email reflectors.  New insights and serendipitous 
discovery of new "goodies" don't occur, because people who 
don't yet know they're interested in your system never hear about it.

> That list (WS-19) also maintains a very extensive web site with over
> 400 MB of high resolution scans of manuals for British and Canadian 
> wireless sets and
> other info that is just not available anywhere else. 
No reason that couldn't continue.  You'd even get more traffic
because more people would know about you.

> To do this with all the systems that were used in WW II is just
> prohibitive, because of the time and energy required to scan it all.
No need.  A "big tent" email reflector for discussion is 
supplemented by single-issue web sites.  You get everything you
have now, without isolating your users.  New insights, new members
and more "goodies" dug out of barns are the rewards.
The only down-side is the occasional selfish, childish person who 
thinks the reflector belongs to him personally and complains
of "too many XYZ posts."  Shun him and he'll soon grow up.
That, and a few more strokes of the DEL key as you delete 
those posts that don't interest you.
These seem a small price to pay for remaining a member of
the larger community.  

I honestly think you'll be way ahead if you discuss Rebecca/Eureka
under the "big tent," then refer to your dedicated web site.

Good luck either way you go, John.
I'd certainly like to know more about Rebecca - Eureka,
and any effort you make will be appreciated by very many of us.

Kindly,
Dave S.