I see two things regarding information to be found in the past.

First there is an archive, a place for permanent storage of information
and there is a list archive. However, it is not a true archive. A true
archive would have a system of organization to it to allow some
methodical, logical seardhing for data. And there would be an archivist
to maintain it and assist in information searches. We have none of that.

Then there is the living memory. This is the live active, highspeed
memory held by the individuals in the collective membership of the list.
This is the fastest data base available anywhere ....... provided all
the parts are willing to co-operate.  I prefer going to the active
membership for answers to questions, because usually a response is
available in short order. If my question is beyond the scope, then and
only then do I go to the recorded archives, because it is going to take
a whole lot of time and enchilada's to dig through the recorded data.

I don't mind responding to people's inquirys when I have information or
answers to their questions.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

George Goff wrote:

>In a message dated 12/14/03 11:31:00 AM, vwnut@HAWKCOMPUTING.COM writes:
>
><< Why do people waste their time telling me to search the archives?
>If you don't want to share your opinion and knowledge please don't. >>
>
>For more than one reason, it has always bothered me to see people directed to
>that morass known as the list archive.  An archive is supposed to have some
>manner of order and ease of use.  And, it is also supposed to be regulated by
>an archivist.  The list archive has none of these elements, so let's call it
>what it really is: a data dump.
>
>To direct someone to a furtive and, perhaps, futile search of the list
>archive could mean hours of their precious life whenever their inquiry can be
>answered by someone spending a few minutes to compose an e-mail.  Replying to their
>plea for help by condemning them to the "archive" smacks of the kind of
>arrogance which is opposed to the spirit of this list.
>
>Perhaps it is time to totally delete the bloated contents of the list
>"archive" and start anew.
>
>George
>
>
>