gurus

[Stephen Birkett]

Michael Wathen said:
> This is a good constructive argument.  A source is listed which one can
> then refer to verify the claim.
>
> In general, I find this lacking in Internet discussions.  Usually there
> is one or two "Gurus" who appear to have all the answers.  They answer the
> questions without giving the reasons or documentary support for their beliefs
> We are simply expected to believe in their wisdom because they have
> researched it for themselves.
>
In this kind of informal discussion medium....

In the case of referenced material it isn't always convenient or
necessary to provide references up front. e.g. I mentioned in an
earlier post that my comments were based on work of Hall and Suzuki
(c1987), but I didn't have all the exact references to hand. Of
course if anyone wants these I will be happy to supply the exact
references.

In the case of personal material (unpublished) I agree with D.
Stanwood's comments...put out the results for thought and discussion
by colleagues. This kind of feedback provides a basis for progress.
Probably the `guru' impression is created because inevitably the
level to which each of us has explored a particular topic will be
very varied. I'm very impressed with the internet list as a
discussion medium...it seems to me to have a great potential.


Stephen Birkett (Fortepianos)
Authentic Reproductions of 18th and 19th Century Pianos
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
tel: 519-885-2228
fax: 519-763-4686