I am somewhat concerned about the reaction to the postings about
the Duo-Art cross valves.

I have viewed the MMD as an _active_ forum.  If we taboo everything
that is in the Archives, then frankly there is not much left to
discuss.  Every now and then, a subject does come up that has been
discussed before.  There has been nothing new in the Duo-Art since
Aeolian quit building them, so it would stand to reason that the same
questions would come up occasionally.

The reason that questions are asked, is the person wants to know how
to properly rebuild his/her piano, and like any caring rebuilder, seeks
advice before diving right in.  Sadly, the reaction(s) are not
encouraging.

Point is, should the poster be chastised for bringing up the subject
that has been discussed before and just point them to the Archives?
How many new MMd'ers even know about them?  What impression will be
left of us to the newer subscribers?  Are we now "disallowed" the
discussion of a subject because it's been discussed before, and some
people arrogantly think they have given the" last and final" word on
the subject, and therefore it should be never mentioned again?

If someone doesn't have the time, desire, or patience (or whatever you
call it) to post (or re-post) something to help someone out, then
someone else will.  What is "old hat" to many of us, may be confusing
to someone else.  Perhaps the worst possible thing a novice can do is
ask for advice here, and that is tragic.  What usually happens, is that
two or more factions will give the advice, and then the two factions
will bicker back and forth.  Not only does this confuse the novice, but
-- think about it -- how does that make that person perceive us?

No person (besides the editors, because they do _all_ the work) should
be allowed to dictate what we discuss here!

Andy Taylor