[LASS Soaring] On RCSE signal-to-noise ratio

[Ben Wilson]

I've never relied on the RCSE for specific soaring information (like how 
to setup a 9303 or how to repair a bagged wing or explaining some 
technical mumbo-jumbo or other exciting projects undertaken by soaring 
nuts) - RCGroups is far better suited for that.  Easy to search 
archives, photos, editing capability, etc.  When nuggets of info handy 
info come down, they are worthwhile, but there is a lot I could do 
without.  But, being an email list, I can't choose that.

The RCSE (and all email lists) had their day as the primary way of 
communicating to groups, but that day has come and... well, changed, but 
not gone.  Those on the RCSE know who is on the RCSE, and it's largely 
the hardened, nutty core of the US soaring community (ever been on here 
during the NATS or Visalia? Ghost town!)  Good sales from known sellers 
and discussion of the direction of soaring and of course - Gordy's 
dispatches from the ragged fringe.  It's kinda like the Congress of 
Soaring.  Every once in a while something worthwhile happens, but there 
is a lot of filibustering.  It's what it is, and it likely isn't going 
to change. 

Aside from the technical advantages, RCGroups also another - it gives 
soaring (some) exposure to the pool from which we pull much of our "new 
blood" - current, existing RC'ers in other niches of the hobby.  You 
know what I'd like to see?  The LSF advertising on RCGroups with a 
banner ad.  You wanna nab some RC'ers into soaring?  RCGroups is the 
place to do it. (Aside: it would be great if you could target ads on 
RCGroups according to the physical location of the user - think local 
club ads!) But I digress...

So, I don't really considered the signal-to-noise ratio on the RCSE to 
be to terrible - but I think I'm just looking to it for a different 
signal :)


Ricardo Rodriguez W. wrote:
> > I REALLY don't want to read another non-soaring related email ...
>
> Wow guys, I'm surprised about the poor signal to noise ratio of RCSE. 
> For sales, meetings, pagings, etc. cover almost half of the posts. 
> Come on!
Ben Wilson
Louisville Area Soaring Society
http://www.louisvillesoaring.org