on 4/26/2002 9:22 PM, Adrian Jadic at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I support using it for MT as a *symbol* for our commitment to metrication.

This argument (symbolism) is one I can agree with. It would be important
symbolically for the metric newsletter to be published on a paper size that
is based on SI, no matter how vague that basis may be.

Of course, when there are financial constraints, it may not be possible to
spend money on mere symbols.

There is another valid argument in favor of Metric Today using A3 paper to
print on, one that I have not seen during this discussion:

Doing so would produce a (small) increase in the market for A-series paper
sizes. I really think this reason is more important than mere symbolism,
mainly because the symbolism will be seen, for the most part, only by
members of USMA who get the newsletter, and they don't need to be persuaded
that SI  and SI standards are worthwhile.

But an order for more A-series paper stock is noticed by everyone in the
chain of paper producers from manufacturer to retail seller and printer.
That's a lot of non-metric people who will see the need and use of something
metric. As more such paper is ordered, more will become available.

Again, one can ask, is it worth the extra cost to the organization to do
this just to make that point? I don't know the answer to that one. I will
defer to the people on the front lines of producing Metric today to
determine whether either the symbolism or the increase in market (or both)
is worth the cost to the organization. I know those people are ardent metric
supporters and would do so if they felt the usefulness would outweigh the
cost.

Regards, Bill Hooper
retired physics professor, Florida, USA

P.S. It would be easier for USMA to see its way clear to spend the extra
money to use A-series paper if they had more money coming into the treasury
from more dues paying members. We could all help by recruiting some new
dues-paying members.

 --------------------------------------
 "Simplification" begins with "SI"
 --------------------------------------





Reply via email to