Message text written by "Steve Lelievre" >I'd like to know what other people think about the right convention to use.<
I don't think that it matters ONE JOT what convention is actually used so long as the end result is correct, explained and understandable to others of a different persuasion. The difference in the preferred usage of the sign of the Equation of Time has been known for so long that we need to be able to accommodate it, not try to change it. It is no different to the use of different weights or temperature scales. There will always be those strange folk who somehow find an equally strange need to seek a common standard be it of units or conventions and apply it to everyone, but there are those (whom frankly I applaud) who seek to solve the problem and not argue about the means by which the answer has been obtained - even if it means using a 'less approved' system of units or a 'different' convention. The logical end argument for all this is that there should be a common language amongst peoples of the world. What an absurd nonesense. However I do agree that there should be defined a 'preferred system of units' or a 'preferred convention' and perhaps a 'preferred language' for some purposes, and those who choose to use a different one should accept that they should always explain their calculations, views and conventions for the benefit of others. Perhaps as an Englishman I am an 'Imperial Measures' man after all? Yes, for areas where it is sensible - like for much of life for most people - even youngsters - in the UK, I suppose I am. Patrick
