--- In STMFC@yahoogroups.com, "ed_mines" <ed_mines@y...> wrote:

(1) some of the newer members may be able to add information to a
previously discussed subject, and (2) it is difficult to scan the
archives of the group. One might have to scan through many, many
blocks of messages to find an old topic.

One always hopes that new participants can bring something to the
table besides their curiosity. That's how we can all learn. As for
the archives, yes, they are clumsy to work through. But they are a
resource of almost infinite value. If you walked into the library at
the California State RR Museum and asked Ellen when arch bar trucks
were banned from interchange, she would refer you to a group of
books in which you might find the answer. I doubt anyone would be
upset with her for not giving the answer directly. Nor should any
STMFC subscriber be offended when one of the "uppity regulars"
suggests the answer to a common question can be found in the
archives. It's the old "give a man a fish" vs. "teach a man to fish"
proverb. Often it's better to show you the path than to walk it for
you.

Tom Madden






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