hi,
I feel that if an OP does not wish to disclose his location, he should not be pestered by his fellow members to do so, especially on his opening post.
Occasionally we need to know, when the OP is asking for supply sources.
E
I agree that the OP should not be forced to fill in location but I don't pester anyone Eric. If the OP does not want to fill in location no one is pressurizing him. Also, many of the OPs say how helpful my posts are, including the information about filling in location (I only include that as evidence, not to show off). And in most cases they simply do not know about Location- it is not obvious.
In the vast majority of cases it is important to know what an OPs location is, if you intend to be specific and accurate with your replies as opposed to being dismissive, condesending, saying it is all too difficult, or give reams of general advice, very often so technical that the OP has no chance of understanding what is being said. Then there are the replies that describe what the person has achieved, rather than answering the question.
Then there are the piggy-back critics- my favorite type.
The way that OPs questions are answered is a big subject, but welcoming a new member and explaining how to fill in location is a good approach in my opinion. Also, it is a very minor aspect and simply not in the order of things compared to other areas concerning replies.
I do not understand your point of view or your choice of words- is that you Eric?
Just ask yourself one question, why do you think I ask about location?
spec
PS 'Posts on ETO' would be a great thread for discussion- but some feathers would fly, no-doubt. Do you have any idea how ETO and other technical forums are viewed by the general public? I have a few incites from years of following them, from PMs from members and from the views of fellow engineers.