bill edwards on tue 7 mar 06
Fear of the unknown is eliminated when practiced.
There are many glaze calculations software out there.
I have found MATRIX to be user friendly, CeramDat is
available and you can bet David is going to be on your
side if and when you need him, there's options for
changing the COE's, English & Turner, Mclindon &
Appen.
A better examination. I used an on-line system when
glaze calculations first got going good using
software. I then ordered several others and finally
settled in on MATRIX. WHY? It also had a triaxle grid
method and I liked the concept and it stored more of
my materials with very close relations to the latest
analysis on record that I could change as needed.
I wanted a glaze storage system where I could place a
picture of the glaze with my recipe. I wanted to be
able to change the data-base with the manufacturers
latest material analysis. I wanted an already well
compiled listing of materials, Matrix has over 700
currently. I need a good way to look at COE's and
Matrix used Vinkelman& Schott with a way to edit and
change the expansion factors for oxides and also make
side by side comparisons of expansions. This is where
it gets hairy because those expansions are done by
other researchers and its up to you to determine which
ones you believe most correctly that reflect your
methods accurately. Multiple datebases for specific
glazes you are working on. You cahn shift from R to 0
and temperatures by one swift click. Everything is
changable if you don't like how it is listed and place
you own data in there from the manufacturer. The list
is long but many have asked why I chose MATRIX and
stick close to it. I do have other software and will
also be testing new software over the next few months.
I would have to say its a personal choice but I did
eliminate many of the others due to lack of
ergonomics, lack of student understanding, total
frustration, unusual interfaces that are hard to work
with, poor information in there and often too buggy,
and systemic math processing problems or slow or poor
response to math calculations. I had to use several
computers to test these things before I could figure
out which seemed better suited. Its not a complete
science, its more to lean based on need. Once you get
the hang of any of them and your pretty serious about
you work, it pays for its self the first few pieces
you send out for lab work because you better
understand whats in your finished product.
Lili's words are compelling to read which cause one
to reach a little more or use more effort. While I
used to ponder why or what it was that kept she and I
at a distance, I can easily see that I was intimidated
by here careful method of writing. So I don't think
she was being mean or rude by denying anyone the
information they needed by refusing to give an
opinion. She understood that volumns could be written
and it would just start more gripping about long posts
and most likely still not be answered. It was a
chance, seemingly, for her to challenge a person to
advance their skills by application. Her honesty is
admirable.
I just got chewed out again off-list for my usual
un-clever writing style and quick fingers. I take my
own medicine well but I usually remain openly honest.
I never wade in thinking that I am eluding to the fact
that I will not make a mistake or get a double dose on
something I have said or done. I love it or I would
leave it. Professionally done or not, its me. I think
in real life you'd be hard pressed to find me as
horrid as I appear to a few. When I taught, I taught
with great compassion and respect and I took lots of
time, I often add that time here and am examining
weather or not to stop posting because I know I will
take too much time when I can be doing other things.
It is who I am!
Long Posts - Hit the delete key. Some people have time
for one good sit down at the computer and they let it
flow. Some read it while others hate it. My life is
pretty full so I let it flow and attempt to edit but I
don't suffer over the end about everything and I try
not to get overtly technical because that add's to
more issues. I have had technical questions put to me
off-list that I would have to show others and they
would shake their heads as well trying to figure out
what exactly was being said or asked, sometimes we
just never understood the questions and other times we
thought we were giving back good advice. (We, I have
lots of buddies that do research and techie stuff) You
are not going to get the best of all your chosen
Worlds. It's not going to happen. Mel sometimes does
the rules for posting but we don't need each other
adding more. I have already said, lets do it
politically, take a stinking vote and start voting off
all those people you don't like to read. Your sure to
be one of them in a few days once the votes are
tallied. Trust me, someone will find something wrong
with every last one of you out there if you live and
breath and post in this group. Get over it already!!!
I contemplate often weather or not my time is well
spent here. I think it is because of the many valued
friendships I have made that keeps me coming back.
When you thow a few thousand people together from
different cultures with different backgrounds and
educations that have various views and beliefs, do you
think you are going to have anything less than what we
already have had since the concept of clayart began?
The only thing I see that could use change and this is
my personal observation, is an up-graded software
system to better run all this information that has
grouping methods for target conversations. PhB boards
can be set for specifics with the owner topic being
dominate, topic specific capability with moderating
methods that will put a stop to the SPAM and nut cases
that drop in since non-member groups or people cannot
get into the system and their names once put on
moderation are chunked till they are either in the mix
or out the door. The owner/moderator can place as many
or as few people in charge of the board as need be.
You can use your picture or your pots as your icon and
sound clips can also be done with scroll overs for
those who would like to say hi with their own voice.
And no, I certainly do not believe this is what we are
going to get nor will my suggestion matter. It will be
more education for those who own their own web sites
to give it more thought. Each member has their own
history area and their own mail boxes. I get more junk
mail than the post man because of Clayart and the way
it is set up. Everyone in the World is trying to sell
me viagra or loan me money or I an next of kin of some
foreign person with lots of money but they need more
for whatever reason. ROFLMAO!!!!
Change, what a concept. Remember, fear of the unknown
is eliminated when practiced.
Bill Edwards
http://apottersmark.blogspot.com/
'Studio Pottery Set-up for Sell, offers considered!'
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