Re: Why not a newsgroup?

[Eddi Jew <jew@rysa.dtc.hp.com>]

[snip]
 > ... I like the informal way that I found out about 
 > the quattro list.  I posted a request for information from r.a.vw and some-
 > one told me about the list.  I don't have time to even look at the usenet 
 > any more.  I'd like to think that we are interested in more than just spam-
 > ming, getting our "electronic DNA" spread around the world.

This sems to point out the basic question that needs to be asked- what
are our metrics for success? That would determine our strategy for change
(if w'all want to). So, is bigger better- total number of posts? Is it fame 
or fortune we seek? It's difficult to discuss the pros and cons of any 
change if there is no consensus on success criteria, but here's my rough 
examples of where we are (our baseline metrics?):

       1) (80 percent of posts that) share technical knowledge or pricing
          (backed with experience- see 4 below)

       2) (Practically non-existant) postings of flames (we can argue 3rd 
          degree burns). Many soapboxes stood upon, strong opinions, but
          respect for others (even empathy, esp. when the Audi god is 
          upset ;) ) is always present. 
     >> Ummm... can you define Adults?? Im not sure I qualify yet... Im the 
     >> right age, but....!
        (Bob, partly qualifies us all as adults, you included)

       3) 50 percent of all questions over-answered. We'd either anticipated
          the persons next questions, or spelled out detail and background
          material that would make Data proud (when his EmoteChip (tm)
          properly kicks in that subroutine).

       4) 30 percent sharing of experiences that can't be bought.

       5) 5 percent junk posts- all those will be worth something if
          directed to majordomo.

       6) Personal one- I cubby-hole about 15 percent of all posts, and I
          consider myself fairly selective. I read over 85 percent of them
          to completion.

The percentages are really rough, but metrics have to indicate a measurable
level. This is also top-of-the-head stuff, but I'll bet it's enough margin
to use for the next step:
   
     Anyone care to make estimates on the above if we go usenet?

[snip]
 > Maybe that wouldn't happen with r.a.m.audi (or whatever) and maybe I'm 
 > just an old fart that is afraid of change.  Who knows?

I'm not old (I keep telling that to myself, anyway) and I'm afraid of change-
change that wasn't well thought out. Sorry to throw in the old school of 
the "Quality Process" (okay, I'm not sorry), but we're in a pretty stable 
state, so it's allowed to introduce change. If we really want to start this, 
I just want to make sure that we measured what we got now, so I'll know how 
much it stinks ... er, changes, later, then see if all the instability to
come was worth it.

-- Eddi

 > Steve Buchholz
 > s_buchho@kla.com
 > San Jose, CA (USA)
 > 
 > ... still thinking it's probably a bad idea ...