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PUBLISHER’S LETTER www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Production Manager Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Peter Smith Ross Tester Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc, VK2ZLO Rick Walters Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Advertising Enquiries Leo Simpson Phone (02) 9979 5644 Fax (02) 9979 6503 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Rodney Champness, VK3UG Julian Edgar, Dip.T.(Sec.), B.Ed Mike Sheriff, B.Sc, VK2YFK Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW Stan Swan SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 003 205 490. ABN 49 003 205 490 All material copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Hannanprint, Noble Park, Victoria. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $69.50 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the subscription page in this issue. Editorial & advertising offices: Unit 8, 101 Darley St, Mona Vale, NSW 2103. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9979 5644. Fax (02) 9979 6503. E-mail: silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au ISSN 1030-2662 * Recommended and maximum price only. 2  Silicon Chip Internet newsgroups can be a mixed blessing These days probably 90 percent or more of our readers have access to email and the Internet and a majority use it very frequently. Indeed most of the letters to SILICON CHIP come via email, as a glance at our “Mailbag” and “Ask SILICON CHIP” pages will show. Many readers also use the Internet to search for informa­tion on electronics but it is here that there are many pitfalls, with a vast amount of the posted information being misleading or simply wrong. In fact, it is often difficult to know whether the information you find is correct or not. In general, it is safe to regard information posted by electronics manufacturers on their own websites about their own products as being correct. Also, technical information on websites of university and other terti­ary organisations and government bodies is also usually OK. But apart from those, a vast amount of information posted by individuals and amateur organisations is highly suspect – definitely not to be trusted. This applies particularly to many electronic circuits and component applications published on the net and even more so where there might be a micro and some asso­ciated software. Often the software is “buggy” and the author or designer may have no interest or even the ability to correct what has been posted there for all to see. This is a major dilemma for individuals searching for tech­nical information – where do they go to have their questions answered? After all, there are very few magazines like SILICON CHIP anywhere else in the world. So many people turn to technical newsgroups and potential­ly, they are a great solution. They can be a very useful forum where experienced electronics people can provide lots of helpful information to others. But again, how do you know whether the information being proffered is correct, merely someone’s opinion or just plain wrong? The situation is made worse when others come up on the newsgroup strongly disagreeing with previous information. And the disagreements are often not just a difference of opinion – often they degenerate into vitriolic abuse and sometimes even libel. I am thinking particularly here of two local newsgroups: aus.electronics and aus.hifi. A few individuals have become so dis­agreeable and abusive that they have made these sites quite unpleasant. From our point of view, chaotic newsgroups are not at all helpful to the promulgation of electronics information. It dis­courages newcomers (and old-timers, for that matter) and leaves others seething with resentment. In fact, some individuals on these newsgroups are so abusive that you wonder why anyone else would ever bother to offer useful information because of the risk of being abused. Which is a great shame because these abusive individuals often give advice which is technically correct but they destroy their goodwill and standing by being so unpleasant to anyone with the temerity to disagree. So please, keep it civilised, people. Remember that newsgroups are there to help others in the very worthwhile pursuit of knowledge and fun in the field of electronics. If you can help someone asking a question, please do so. And if someone else offers contrary advice, correct it by referring them to some recognised sources. Ultimately, that approach will gain you far more respect and everybody who uses the site will find it much more helpful. Leo Simpson www.siliconchip.com.au