After starting that firestorm, I could not help but feel a little

beat up.  Mark Fontana has laid out my case perfectly and I want to

thank him for that.



Threaded Discussion Server technology pre-dates the Internet.  During

my days at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) I used them heavily as

a source of obscure technical information and as the primary form of

communication with DEC's product design engineers.  DEC's forums ran

using DEC VT100 terminals.  As much as I appreciate the concerns of

those with low bandwidth, their point is simply moot.  The Automotive

forum I participate in offers an automated "digest" feature, which

I don't use. I love MMD, but my mailboxes both at work and at home

get too much traffic to begin with.



Imagine yourself starting in a new hobby.  The best source of

information would be an online forum.  I know so because that's how

I got into model aircraft and, most recently, restoring an MGB.  The

content and support is vast.  I rebuilt my first player in my teens.

I was fortunate to be able to consult Ted at Player Piano Headquarters

in Boonton, New Jersey.  Where would a teenager go today to get advice

perhaps pictures and even videos on how to recover pneumatics?



If the hobby is to survive we need to bring in new, young enthusiasts.

I think an online forum is ideal. I also think we need a "John Twist"

for mechanical music.  For those who haven't heard of him, here's his

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Universitymotorsltd 



Ed Chaban