Al,
How can we all work together to find better methods of measurement when the
original methods have never been disclosed. By the way, it's not that I
don't like the message it's that I'm not sure of its validity!
Karl
-----Original Message-----
From: Lightman, Allan J [SMTP:Lightman@udri.udayton.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 10:49 PM
To: 'rp-ml'
Subject: SOTI Report at SME
I have found it somewhat painful to read the rather acrimonious
evaluation
of Terry Wohlers' State of the Industry report at the recent RP
meeting in
Chicago. Particularly distressing is that the participants are all
champions of the RP arena and, I think, fervently work for the
success of
this technology. Terry has been a champion in every sense: through
publications in a variety of journals, initiating the foundation of
societies (RPA/SME) and organizations (GARPA), and interfacing with
government sponsors to aid with RP technology development.
Collecting
statistical data on the state of the industry is perilous, at best.
Most
sources view this information as 'Competition Sensitive.' And while
everyone wants to know how the industry is faring, few want everyone
to know
how they are doing in particular. For the past years, while
expansion was
in progress, nobody questioned the veracity of Terry's figures or
his
sources. Now, when he reports a concern about stagnation, he is
pilloried.
(Somewhat of a double standard.)
I have assisted Terry collecting data on government sponsorship of
RP
related activities. Every year this information becomes more
difficult to
assess as the focus of research shifts from technology development
to
applications and the RP effort gets integrated into a larger scope.
In a
similar way, as RP systems become integrated into mainline
manufacturing,
proportioning the 'RP business' becomes ever more difficult.
Evaluating the
health of the industry and its future potential is more tenuous, but
vital
for potential new entrants. (To misquote Yogi Bera: It is very
difficult to
make predictions, especially about the future.)
The issue is serious. But when you don't like the message, it does
not
improve the situation to attack the messenger. I encourage all
those who
want more accurate statistical data to work together to develop a
better
method of measurement. Terry has shown exemplary integrity and he
carefully
considers the impact of every statement he makes in his report.
> ------------------------------
> Allan J. Lightman, Ph.D.
> Senior Research Scientist
> University of Dayton Research Institute
> 300 College Park
> Dayton, OH 45469-0150, USA
>
> Voice: +1-937-229-3966
> FAX: +1-937-229-3433
> E-mail: lightman@udri.udayton.edu
> WWW: http://www.udri.udayton.edu/rpdl
>
>
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