Klarinet Archive - Posting 000805.txt from 1999/12

From: Daniel Leeson <leeson0@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] More Thoughts on an FAQ for "klarinet"
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 18:12:01 -0500

redcedar wrote:
>
> When Dan Leeson proposed his approach to FAQs he appended a set of sample
> questions relating to clarinet materials of construction. Maybe I got the
> bull by the tail, but I interpreted this example as an indication of serious
> intent, and envisaged the probable development of substantive responses to
> the FAQs. Some subsequent posts would suggest that perhaps I was in error,
> for it appears that others may see such responses more in the realms of a
> ten-second sound-bite with data links provided for those who desire more
> information.

It was never my intention to produce pap, nor did you say so. But you
are
correct in that the general reaction also gave me the impression that
what
was needed were some sound bites that are not too long for fear that
someone would get bored.

I am almost ready to throw out the first request for material for a
specific faq, and if I don't get things of substance, then it is not
really a project that I want to work on.

In sum and substance, I am in agreement with what you wrote and want
to enter into it with that spirit.

Dab

>
> I am a comparative newcomer to the clarinet. A frequent problem encountered
> in the search for relevant information, has been the relative paucity of
> meaningful information appropriate to the clarinet owning/learning/playing
> experience - choice of instrument, mouthpiece design and selection
> characteristics, reed/mouthpiece interaction, embouchure techniques,
> fingering variations, and so on. Some information that is available is
> top-notch. However, much that is available, whether in books, journals,
> promotional materials, web-sites or orally, is usually sketchy in nature,
> often bald assertion with little factual support, and where opinions are
> expressed, they are dogmatic rather than option canvassing. And
> regrettably, mixed in with this, there is the unfortunate presence of much
> that which falls in the sphere of obfuscation, myth and manure - and that's
> being charitable.
>
> However, on the "klarinet" list, I have been very pleasantly surprised to
> find so many people of various skill sets and professionalism, who in the
> main, seem willing to contribute and share their knowledge of a common area
> of interest, and much credit is owed to Mark Charette for coordinating this
> effort.
>
> >From my perspective, an FAQ list, as proposed, would hopefully tap the
> assorted knowledge of the List and allow the focussed construction of an
> information source of value with perhaps greater comprehensiveness than is
> generally available from other sources. There is no need for such an
> approach to be a four-act drama with chorus, or "bogging down in details and
> nitpicking" as one put it. However, the "sound-bite approach", would in my
> estimation be a counter-productive alternative, and dare I suggest,
> downright condescending, if not dismissive to many of those with a genuine
> interest in knowing more, and the intelligence to handle such information.
>
> When I first wrote on this subject yesterday, I stated that I had written
> off-the-top-of-the-head, and it may have been felt in some quarters that
> the tenor of my questions/suggestions presaged a dissertation was envisaged.
> Nothing could be farther from my intent. Perhaps a recourse to the
> following will better convey what I had in mind.
>
> On another website, notionally for owners of a classic car marque, FAQs are
> posed, and technical tips offered, and anyone who feels they have a sensibly
> informed viewpoint has their contribution consolidated with others and
> listed with editorial comment where appropriate, and the output made
> available for access via the web-page. This is more substantive, and
> informative, than the "sound-bite", is not a dissertation, and allows the
> display of factual content as well as anecdotal contributions which are
> attributable, and which provides the questioner with an indication of the
> scope of what is possible with respect to a specific topic. The editorial
> effort to massage this is not large. To see a practical example, visit the
> American website of a classic car club at http://www.roc.org and go to "faq"
> and "hinfo".
>
> Michael
>
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--
Dan Leeson
leeson0@-----.net

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