RE: [emergency] Talking Point re CAP and CEA "Public Alert"

[Art Botterell <acb@incident.com>]

Bob, I think the only indisputable "truth" here is that opinions 
differ as to what other people may think.  You're entitled to use or 
not use the word "compatible" any way you see fit.  I'm not trying to 
force my definition of the word on anyone who isn't comfortable with 
it, and I trust you'll show the rest of us the same courtesy.

- Art


At 5:04 PM -0400 4/10/04, Bob Wyman wrote:
>Art Botterell wrote:
>>  Bob, do any of us really have time to split hairs
>>  about the word "compatible" in this context?
>	If we don't have time for the truth, what do we have time for?
>Clearly, if I didn't think my point had merit, I never would have made
>the initial comment and request for information concerning what was
>meant by "compatible." Clearly, your earlier comments indicate that
>CAP is, in fact, *not compatible* with these other systems even though
>with some degree of additional work, the various system can be made to
>interwork.
>	Personally, I believe that the normal listener will perceive
>the word "compatible" as one that indicates *actual* compatibility
>rather than *potential* compatibility... Thus, I continue to hold that
>the use of the word is inappropriate in this context. I do not see
>this as splitting hairs.
>
>>  The folks at the Weather Service, the folks at
>>  the FCC and the folks at CEA have all expressed
>>  satisfaction that CAP is compatible with ...
>	These "testimonials" are no more convincing than a late-night
>TV commercial filled with  "testimony" that some miracle herb cures
>cancer or that spot weight reduction from a ThighMaster is possible.
>(Much medical research shows that spot weight reduction is not
>possible...)
>
>>  Of course, if you aren't comfortable using the word,
>>  you don't have to.  And if you'd like to offer a
>>  suggestion of a better word, feel free.
>	It is you, not I, who wishes to make claims comparing the
>various systems. Thus you cannot push to me your responsibility for
>crafting your message. I have, I believe, clearly shown that the word
>you are using is inappropriate, misleading, and not truthful. It is up
>to you to decide if you will continue to use it or if you will use
>language which is more truthful.
>	I encourage the TC itself to avoid the use of this word
>"compatible", without proper qualifiers, in any communications which
>can be attributed to it or its members. I fear that the TC's utility
>could be severely compromised if it gains a reputation for overstating
>the qualities or promise of CAP.
>
>		bob wyman