As astart we can try and find ways HOW *not to use* old 'fps' units and teach the public at large - the target to be achieved!
Student community is the one that shall be affected most to PROMOTE or DEPROMOTE usma efforts.
Brij
From: "Ma Be" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [USMA:23642] Re: Metric in the media, etc.
Date: Thu, 28 Nov 2002 09:32:15 -0800
This is one of the most sensible, thought-provoking posts we've seen around here in recent days. I echo John's thoughts below.
Great job, John!
Marcus
On Thu, 28 Nov 2002 10:11:12
kilopascal wrote:
>2002-11-28
>
>This group seems to be divided between those who want a planned, quick
>metrication and those who want those "market forces" to either push
>metrication or let the status quo exist. Maybe somewhere in-between is the
>right answer for the US. We really don't need to have a 100 % push right
>now, but we need some type of push to at least get the ball rolling. We
>don't even have that. As soon as the ball does begin to roll, someone stops
>it and pushes it back
>
>All we rally need to do is get metrication to advance to a point of critical
>mass. It is at that point that we can allow metrication to proceed
>unmolested or reach a high point of usage without fear of reversal to FFU.
>Critical mass is the point where it becomes uneconomical to continue to use
>FFU. It is a point where raw materials and finished goods only come in
>metric sizes and are described only that way. Those who wish to continue in
>FFU will only cause hardship on themselves. They either metricate on their
>own or go out of business.
>
>I remember reading some years back that when the Australian construction
>industry went metric at least one builder refused to change. No one told
>him he couldn't keep on using FFU. But, something happened. He couldn't
>buy FFU supplies. No one was making them. And those that said they could
>wanted him to buy astronomical amounts at real high prices with long lead
>times. In the end, he went out of business and blamed metrication for his
>demise. I'm sure other builders in Australia at that time jumped for joy,
>as it was one less competitor to deal with.
>
>The first step in this type of metrication is to define at what point
>critical mass exists. Is it the 50 % point? We are supposed to be at 40 %
>now, so we really need only change 10 % more if this be the case. Or is it
>key industries? Many industries are metric, but let's face it, they are
>metric in secret as far as Joe Six-pack is concerned. If we took a poll,
>I'd bet well over 90 % of Americans would feel that the US is virtually 100
>% FFU. Their metric experiences are very limited. Metric companies and
>industries have done very little to advertise their metric usage. Metric is
>only used by foreigners. So, the public is unaware of any metric usage by
>American companies.
>
>One way to promote metric is for our government (or someone else) to point
>out to the country how metric we really are. And how and what being in the
>middle is costing us. If it isn't the government that is going to do it,
>then someone with an interest in metric can and should. How? I don't know
>right now. But, with ideas and suggestions from others maybe a method can
>be devised.
>
>What about the psychological approach? We've discussed this before. That
>is where we get products such as gasoline and grocery store scales to
>convert right away. This also includes such things as football fields,
>weather reporting, and highway signs. Metrication of all or most of these
>may push us to the point of critical mass. How? Simply by exposing the
>whole country en-masse to SI. Many, especially opponents to metrication say
>metrication of these areas is a waste of money and serves no purpose. OH,
>but it does. These area are easy to metricate and have the effect of
>exposing the most people to a working use of SI almost over night.
>
>Just think how quickly the masses will adapt to SI if they have to buy their
>gas and food by the litre and kilogram respectively, hear only metric
>weather reports, drive down metricated highways, and hear and see football
>and similar sports described only in metres. And what would it cost to make
>such a change?
>
>If the nations gasoline pumps and grocery store scales are already metric
>capable and all that need be done is for a qualified person to flip a switch
>or set a different code into the program, then the cost is minimal or not at
>all. Weather reporting cost nothing to metricate, the reported just starts
>speaking metric one day. Road signs will cost something, but their
>metrication can be planned to make costs minimal. Just think of the
>psychological effect it will have on the population as well as push it will
>have on business as they try to keep up with the change.
>
>Those who believe in the market forces method of conversion really need to
>come to grips with reality. The reality is nothing will change on its own.
>It needs a push in the right direction and at the right time and place.
>
>So, folks, how do we get that ball rolling again?
>
>John...
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