The Value of Participation

[J Oliphant]

I lurked a little and thought a lot about why I might want to participate on the cove. After all, I'm no expert and I've still got a lot to learn.

Timing brought me here more than anything. I had just passed CQE and I was feeling that I had proved to myself that I have the knowledge to understand the questions and the obligation to participate within the quality community.

Even so, the amount of my participation and the amount of learning has suprised me. Best of all, the discussion here complements the 'book learning'- going from a philosophical discussion on management to the real life gritty details of SPC brings the life out of what the 'great books' of quality are telling us.

I think the preparation to contribute and thoughtfully study the situations expressed in the cove, Is where the great results of participation come from. Sometimes the right thing it to express a personal viewpoint and see what others say. thats an important communication, that's missing in books - sparse in training seminars, and even unwise in your employment.

I sometimes feel like here, as I participate I 'exercise' my knowledge, In a way I can't do in my job. So many decisions in my job are politically made- with no appreciateion on whether they are based on valid theory.

I Invite you all, to step up and express your own viewpoint on the value of participation. Espacially the value for a Newby to participate. Its easy to lurk when you see here people with 20ish years of quality that exude confidence. Its easy to question whether anking question of giving opinions could have any value, when your painfully aware how much you don't know. BUT If your willing to think and read, and track down some wise reference material (The library system can be a suprisingly good useful reference-and with the inter-library sharing you'd be suprised what you can borrow). the conversation will enhance your value of what many smart people have said about quality/process improvement. When this forum is at its best what's the magic that urges to respond to a post or post a new thread...

PS. Lastly a simple note to marc. You are one the reasons this forum works so well with me. You don't let things get too stale, you contribute to the conversation in a knowledgeable way that sets the example, for others. Unlike some other moderators- you are there, often and willing to listen and explain.

On the ASQ discussion forum, we have a thread going now, where we are trying to question the value of keeping it restricted to ASQ members. No comment from staff- the issue was repeated very vocally by several long-standing and respected ASQ members. silence. The technology over their is better. but the problem is the same. Thanks a lot-- If I could I'd shower you with money. I hope the visibility has helped you career enough to at least partially compensate for how successful you make this forum for us.

[db]

One of the most valuable things here is the diversity of opinion. I often find others who might either disagree with me on a particular point, or else have a slightly different take on a subject. Through dialog, we can articulate our positions and sometimes we find we saying things differently, but seeing things basically the same way. Other times, we end up not being convinced the other is correct, or we might discover an unseen flaw in our logic.

In any case, we are forced to analyze and think. We are exposed to other viewpoints and factors we might not have considered, had we not participated. We learn, as we teach and help others.

And that is the real value! (IMNSHO)

[Marc]

Originally Posted by J Oliphant

The technology over their is better.

I appreciate the comments, but I do have a question. In what way is the technology 'better'?

Originally Posted by J Oliphant

Unlike some other moderators- you are there, often and willing to listen and explain.

Well, I used to more than now. Now, actually, the moderators and the 'regulars' do a lot more answering of questions than I do. They deserve the kudos.

[J Oliphant]

Originally Posted by Marc

I appreciate the comments, but I do have a question. In what way is the technology 'better'?

Well, I used to more than now. Now, actually, the moderators and the 'regulars' do a lot more answering of questions than I do. They deserve the kudos.

umm. I mean the technology at ASQ discussion better then what it use to be. I love your technology! and many of its just light years ahead of ASQ.

ITS the forum itself (the participation,etc) that either makes or breaks the experience. and right now I am really appreciating the cove

[Marc]

Just wondering - I understand. I used to visit their forums a while back but they were so slow I stopped going there at all. The forum software they're using now is super fast - but it should be. It's relatively basic.

[Jonell]

I'm fairly new here. In response to the question, I have found it invaluable to be able to post a question, and have people who have been in that same scenario answer that question and/or make comments based upon their own experience. I was told once that there are 2 ways of learning in life. You learn through your own mistakes or the mistakes of others. I want to be able to communicate to people who have already made the mistakes, learned from them and are willing to pass that learned knowledge along....in other words, be a mentor.

That's why I'm here at the Cove!

Jonell

[Craig H.]

Originally Posted by Marc

I appreciate the comments, but I do have a question. In what way is the technology 'better'?

Well, they do have a spiel checker.


I know, I know, been there before, but I had to drag it out!!!

[Al Dyer]

Originally Posted by Jonell

I'm fairly new here. In response to the question, I have found it invaluable to be able to post a question, and have people who have been in that same scenario answer that question and/or make comments based upon their own experience. I was told once that there are 2 ways of learning in life. You learn through your own mistakes or the mistakes of others. I want to be able to communicate to people who have already made the mistakes, learned from them and are willing to pass that learned knowledge along....in other words, be a mentor.

That's why I'm here at the Cove!

Jonell

Well said, I know I have made a multitude of mistakes and when I come here I get "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey would say. We all learn throughout our careers and fresh thought process (from new people) is a great method for some of us "old dogs" to keep our minds in order and at times chage our opinions.

Great post

Al...