h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Deborah

I thought you'd like to see how quickly, and effortlessly, my erstwhile colleauges can sabotage a thread!

Hi Steve,

Which thread are you talking about?

D

D'Oh!

Here it is:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A2884476

Steve

Gosh, that got a bit technical! But at least WW2Harley got a good answer to his question

Well, I'm not sure. I'm afraid I switched off. I thought I'd given a fairly simple, and to-the point, answer. What followed was, in my opinion, a lot of unnecessary 'waffle'. I think if Researchers want to pursue threads 'off topic' they should use the Researchers' Forum. The problem is that we know an awful lot about various topics and, perhaps, forget that the vast majority of 'posters' have limited knowledge about the topic on which they have posted. I think that answers should, in the first instance, be short and to the point. If clarification is called for then more detailed answers can be given.

What do you think?

Steve

Steve -
I read your complaint to Deborah with some interest as - although I am not a BBc researcher such as yourself and others much more experienced than I - I could not help but feel guilty as charged with the rest of your "erstwhile" colleagues.
You see, while I admire your ability to reduce your answers to a "one liner' many of us think that an answer should be embellished with a bit of 'colour'in much the same way as - for example - Henry Cooper would give his view of the fight in between rounds - I always thought it was good thing for a more balanced - rounded account of something particularly in radio - which we could not see - at the time. Many of the 'posters' do not appreciate what they are asking
with their questions and I, for one, give as much information as I have available.
If this however offends in any way then I should cease and desist immediately. May I therefore wish you all success in your quest to cut the "waffle" and have more one line answers !
Does however remind me of the German.N.C.O. named Kreiner who cut down his squad at roll call - to a one liner named Kreiner ! oh dear - there I go again ! sorry

Tom

I entirely agree with your statement:

"Many of the 'posters' do not appreciate what they are asking
with their questions..."

Therefore, those of us 'in the know' need to ensure that our answers are as clear as possible.

I'm sorry that you thought I was complaining. The point I was trying to make was that perhaps it might be better to begin simply and then add detail.

I don't know what your experience of other Forums is. I can say from my experience that I find it frustrating when threads go off topic.

Now, I am not saying that what you chaps did was wrong - that would be conceited and downright rude. What I said was, in my opinion it was in the wrong place. Again, in my opinion, I felt that all that detail would only confuse the poster, and any others who read the thread. Even I began to suffer from information overload.

Tom, I've read your various posts in threads and I know that you speak with the experience of a man who has been at the Tip of the Spear. Your knowledge and experience is so valuable in this Forum. I will never match that. I can only try to add to my own knowledge and help posters to increase theirs. So, if I have offended you then I can only apologise.

Steve -
My dear chap - no apologies are necessary in this matter - we are now more clear of our respective positions - which is a good thing - clears the air a bit - we do tend to waffle on a bit, but then isn't that what life is all about. Just think - no waffle - no TV for example, and what would the lonely shepherds in the hills do of an evening ? just drink beer I suppose.
As you put it so well - many of us have been the tip of the spear and this knowledge should not be allowed to be forgotten as it was during the inter-war years 1918 - 39. I think it was Churchill who said "Jaw Jaw is better than War War." ..I believe he was right..but it might take a bit of waffling to get the main point across ! Hope to be in London in September - buy you a beer if you are close !
Cheers

Hello Steve,
I read through this thread with interest. I think the disparity in thought is an age thing. Younger people tend to talk in sound bites or even Text bites where as we older hands tend to over elaborate.
No one ever died through too much information many died because they did not get enough.
I can talk AFV's, engines, mechanics, as in REME EMER'S add infinitum but think you would close down within minutes. If I gave it as a story with embelishments and the odd funny story you may stay on line.
The people asking questions on this site are often the young wanting to know but not knowing which questions to ask. We old bats tend to over communicate and at times go off the rails in those explanations.
Dont worry Steve we will have all died off in the next thirty years and you will have your sound bite world to yourself, the loser will be the English Language.
I read some of the input from the younger site members and it makes me sad to think they are carrying that language forward it will be a sad place I feel.
Meanwhile we will do it our way as you do it yours.
Regards Frank.