On Wed, 13 Nov 2002 11:27:55  
 Bill Potts wrote:
>Marcus:
>
>The simple fact is that the dimensions of computer paper designed for use
>with legacy tractor-feed mechanisms are in hard inches. I don't like that
>any more than you do, but it's a fact.
>
This is NOT enough an excuse whatsoever to use inches *exclusively*, Bill!  I'm sorry. 
 Imagine if people outside this forum gets a hold of this post and sees NOTHING but 
imperial units, ***13*** places altogether, with ABSOLUTELY *NO MENTION WHATSOEVER* of 
any metric equivalents!!!  A post that originated from a... errr... aham...  "metric 
forum"...  (how embarassing, wouldn't you say?...)  Just think about it!

Besides, this is the kind of crap we always hear from ifpists NOT to use metric *even 
parenthetically*.  "Oh, TV sizes are customary in inches, so, no need to show metric 
units".  "Airplane speeds are in knots exclusively, so (again), no need to mention 
km/h", and the list would go on and on and on...  And folks who are used to metric 
units only end up being left in the dark, violated, abused and obliged to swallow 
trash *in their own territories*!  So, again, sorry, but I still think this is 
unacceptable!
...
>Incidentally, SIC means Standard Industry Classification. I assume you meant
>to use sic (Latin for thus).
>
No, sic rather as short for "sick" indeed...  ;-)   ).

>See, I can be picky too. But unlike you, I endeavor not to be a scold.
>...
It's not a matter of being a 'scold' but of **setting the example**!  At a minimum you 
should have posted values thusly: "279 mm (or 28 cm) (11")", etc.  With a preamble (or 
an epilogue...) that measurements are exact in original imperial units.

Finally, I don't mean these comments of mine to be... "harsh", but a call for us to be 
more mindful of our role as "models" to the rest of the world.  If we can't create 
"good habits" how can we expect others "out there" to follow suit and/or use/hear more 
metric?

Marcus


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