new classiccmp.org service

Tony wrote... I welcome constructive criticism! You're allowed, entitled, and encouraged to disagree. That's what the "add comment" feature is for! Or better yet, post your own article on the subject. I'd prefer the KB to be less "conversational", that's what the list is for. Instead, I'd prefer if an alternate post is more along the lines of "Here's what *I* think, and why". I agree wholeheartedly, and I don't think the KnowledgeBase in any way detracts from that spirit. That's why I specifically encouraged people to post articles on the same topic as others (or at their own discretion just post comments to an existing article), so that there wasn't a purported "single right answer". Possibly my intent was misunderstood. The knowledge base isn't meant to be "the word of god", it is meant to be advice (occasionally opposing advice) from people with experience such as yourself. Also, bear in mind, the KB doesn't replace the list. This list is the place for discussion. The KB is a place to put forth the distilled results of that discussion, which may well contain opposing viewpoints. I definitely see your point. The spirit of my post was directed at those who are on a budget, and there's a lot of dial test indicators out there that cost several hundreds of dollars median price. My own thought was that given a tight budget, a few hundred dollar dti wasn't going to make it into a new collectors toolkit. I would rather them have a cheap one, and be able to learn how to replace a platter, than try to do it without one at all, or worse, not restore a system because they can't afford an expensive DTI. Your point is just as valid though. Which is why I encourage you to post a comment to my article on that point, or post your own article on the same topic! ... snip... I happen to agree with you on this point though. But... see above and below... Tony, I must respectfully admit that I am a little confused why you were left with the opinion that the KB was meant to be the "gospel truth". Differing viewpoints are most welcome and encouraged. Perhaps it was my statement that I don't want the KB to become a "conversation", in that light I can see why you might be left with that impression. In reality, I simply don't want it to be a tit-for-tat argument, or much back and forth. What I'm driving at is completely different viewpoints on a given subject are perfectly fine in the KB. Let the reader decide. Perhaps you thought my moderation of the posts indicated that. In the final analysis, the only way the knowledge base will become what you are concerned it may become, is if you don't post articles with your own views. If you do, then there's no way it can become that. Regards, Jay West