RE: Off-topic threads and the alfa list generally

["Brian Shorey" <bshorey@domain.elided>]

> > [...] I got about nine replies to my Italian tune-up question off
list, only
> > one (I think) on the list. Seems to me that that deprives the group
of a rich portion of the
> > discussion. 
> 
> Let me add that the archives of the list are on the Web and are
> searchable.  Answers sent privately are not.  It's particularly
annoying
> to find in the archives exactly the same question that I want to ask,
> but the answers are not in the archive.
> 
> If the same few questions are being asked repeatedly, then we'll have
to
> prepare an FAQ, but again, a list of Frequently Asked Questions is
> useless without the answers.  The people preparing the FAQ need to be
> able to refer to the archives for the answers.

As one who tries to answer more questions than I ask (both on-line and
off-line), I'd like o make a couple of comments:

First, as to why I sometimes only answer off-line, sometimes I'm not
100% sure of an answer, or too lazy to do the proper research, and might
not want to embarrass myself in front of a large group (which still
happens from time to time).  There are some on this list who will flame
for incomplete answers, or partial attempts at answers, or information
which some may find useful but wasn't specifically asked for.  I know,
I've been flamed for all of the above, even though I'd like to think I'm
only trying to help.  So sometimes I'm more comfortable going off-line
with a response or an attempt to help.

As a side note, I find it inappropriate for off-line discussions to find
their way on-line, especially if all parties haven't been consulted
first.

Now, as a person who tries to answer questions when I'm able, here's one
of *my* pet peeves.  It's really difficult to diagnose stuff through
e-mail.  Consider that if you have the vehicle in question right in
front of you, and you can't figure it out, then it's at least equally
difficult to diagnose it over an email system.

So my pet peeve is when myself and others spend time trying to help with
a diagnosis, and then never find out the results (either on or off
line).  In trying to hone my e-mail diagnostic skills, it's helpful to
know what the actual problem turned out to be.

My .02,

bs

p.s.  So what is an Italian tune up?

Simple.  Get the car nice and warmed up, then take it out and give it a
good flogging.  You don't have to abuse it, but drive it *fast*.  Take
it to the red line more than once.  Stomp on the brakes a bit, up shift,
down shift, exercise the damn thing!  Obviously, do this in a place
where you won't place others in danger.  The procedure is typically more
fun when administered on a winding road..
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