i agree, there are bigger fish to fry. The non use of A3 paper for Metric Today
certialy does not distract from the important mission of USMA.
Howard Ressel
Metric Conversion Manager, NYSDOT Region 4
Howard Ressel
Project Design Engineer, Region 4
(585) 272-3372
>>> "James R. Frysinger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 01/23/02 06:33PM >>>
Adrian Jadic wrote:
>
> I certainly agree that printing MT on A3, which folded, would give A4 format will
>not move the US toward metrication. Therefore, from this point of view it is not a
>major issue.
> However, it makes us consistent with our preaching and it also proves that "when
>there is a will there is a way". (Or something along those lines)
> I consider that given the ease of procuring A-series paper it is simply ridiculous
>not to do it.
....
I would certainly have no great, personal objection to seeing MT
printed on folded A3 paper, but as a practical matter I don't see this
as being worthwhile to push for.
First, let's suppose that MT is printed on precut paper and then
folded. A3 paper is not likely to be cheaper than 11 inch by 17 inch
paper and in fact is likely to be more expensive. I would rather see
USMA spend its limited budget on more significant matters. If it is
printed on raw (oversized) paper and then trimmed to size, then this
becomes a moot point in all likelihood. Cutting to one size shouldn't
cost more than cutting to another if done by the printer. (I believe
most stock paper is sufficiently oversized to allow either cut.)
`Second, who's to notice that a page of MT is not a standard U.S. size?
Those who are likely to accumulate and file copies of MT are already
USMA members and hopefully need no convincing so the sermon goes to the
choir. Those receiving occasional copies are not likely to file their
one copy of MT with any other paper that would call notice to the
distinction in page proportions. If they do, they are just as or more
llkely to be annoyed as they are to inquire about the reason for the odd
size and thus (perhaps) be mollified. For those the sermon is either
missed or found to be irritating. Only those who see value in A0 paper
having an area rationally expressed in metric units (i.e., 1 m2) are
going to care. Those who are not metricated might see this as just "one
more annoying thing about metrication". Would they wonder if we also
want to see our electric system changed to 50 Hz and 240 V?
Third, why A-series paper? Why not the Japanese sizes instead? I cannot
bring up the USMA web page at the moment to check, but I believe that a
linked page there states that their series is slightly different.
I vote for keeping it simple and for concentrating on the important
issues. On the other hand, should a USMA member volunteer to underwrite
the added expense of printing on A-series paper, then perhaps I'll
change my mind.
Jim
--
Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!"
James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/
10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Charleston, SC 29407 phone/FAX: 843.225.6789
