Re: Request for Discussion

Edward Green wrote:
I've reserved some real estate on Google groups for one or more physics
discussion groups. The format will be mildly moderated discussion with
pre-screening of members. "Mild moderation" means that after an
initial probation, members will only be silenced for flagrant abuse. I
will undertake the moderation.

Any suggestions for content, interest in studying particular texts,
topics, welcome. Reply here or email me directly at this address.

Well, I, for one, like the idea. I've found that as slow as
sci.physics.research is, I wind up looking to sci.physics for
interesting discussion. Something along these lines might strike the
right balance. At worst, it might end up not attracting very many
people and traffic, and turn into a hangout used by only two or three
people.

Attracting newcomers could be a major problem. If you search Google
Groups, you can find hundreds of physics discussion groups that attract
no more than a few posts per month. On the other hand, if
professionals, particularly professionals who have popular websites,
are attracted to the group, that could do a lot for attracting other
people. For example, I found out about sci.physics because of Dr.
Baez's website.

Will newcomers be able to read this group? There won't be many
newcomers if people can't lurk a little first. Is there a URL we can
visit yet?

Would the types of posts that would be considered acceptable be similar
to sci.physics.research? Or would they be a bit different? Or are you
still trying to feel this out?

As for content, the joint studying of texts would be worthwhile even if
the discussion group doesn't drum up very many posters. Currently,
I've just started another whack at Peskin & Schroeder. Randy Poe
mentioned MTW, which I would also welcome taking a whack at.

--
Jim Black

.

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