No disrespect to the Captain of this Vessel (Paul), but I disagree. I can't imagine how many questions he and others have seen which cause the reader to throw up his or her arms in frustration. As a relative beginner in the Flow field, I am anxious to understand all problems, my own as well as those of others. I become frustrated when 1) I can't relate some other person's problem to my own flow setup; 2) I'm too busy to inquire; 3) if their problem MIGHT be something I've had some experience with, I'm denied the opportunity to venture into the discussion forum for lack of appropriate information. All three of the above situations lead to the same unfortunate conclusion: I don't respond in any way (which, depending on your views, might be a good thing!). Moreover, the majority of these types of vague or non-specific questions, coming from people who don't know better, are likely to be the kind that neophytes like me would want to get wrapped up in. This leaves those freakish statistical, compensation, (and other harder) problems to the experts. One other thing. If I'm the one posing "these types" of questions, what am I to think of the virtual lack of detailed response? Is my question so difficult or unknown, that the heavy-hitters can't even venture a guess? Feedback like Paul's, even if harsh, is a welcome alternative to the bleak silence that could follow "these types" of questions. Let's not let our 21st Century Sensitivity prevent us from addressing the issue. Therefore, when I ask a questionable question, open fire (figuratively)! Hopefully, I'll learn better! Andrew Andrew Beernink Research Scientist - Flow Cytometry Novasite Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 11095 Flintkote San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 638-8584 (858) 597-4943 fax -----Original Message----- From: J.Paul Robinson [mailto:jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu] Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 3:09 PM To: cyto-inbox Subject: RE: FACS question Colleagues Mea culpa......yes indeed my response was too harsh...even my graduate students beat me up.....I am now a lighter shade of blue.....sorry Laura and Rachel I consider myself severely reprimanded. However, when asked by one of my grad students why I was so obnoxous....I basically said that the discussion over the past few months, and indeed it has happened over years, has made only minor adjustments in attitudes. I don't particularly support Mario's suggestion of post -publication critique, but that is in fact what my response reflected in this case I suppose. However, each person must address the issue. The point of my flippant reply was that we really can't use nonsensical terms in either our questions or our answers. Further, this discussion list is archived for years and is read or at least received by over 2200 scientists around the world. In such a public forum, we should at try to maintain the standard of accuracy, integrity and quality. My answer does not reflect the standards I set myself, but it was sheer frustration in trying to stop the use of those wretched FLs that drove me over the edge. (Help Mario...!) Reconciliation drinks will be gladly purchased for those offended at the next ISAC congress... Best regards Paul Robinson On 13 Dec 2001, at 9:20, Gerstein, Rachel wrote: Aren't you being a bit harsh? I want to suggest that we all try to phrase our responses in a manner that educates, but does not flog the person asking the question. Yes, its really important to ask the right question, with a request for specific information. Yes, we all grind our teeth in response to some questions. Really poorly phrased questions tend not to get answered. However, there have been some very harsh responses in the last few weeks. We all were new and/or ignorant at some point. Lets not scare away people who might really benefit from the list ! just mho... Rachel ======================================================= Rachel M. Gerstein, Ph.D. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Graduate Program in Immunology/Virology University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655-0002 (508) 856-1044 (508) 856-5920 (FAX) > ---------- > From: J.Paul Robinson > Reply To: jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu > Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2001 9:20 PM > To: Cytometry Mailing List > Subject: Re: FACS question > > > Colleagues: I am going to answer this question in a manner that I hope you > all > understand (or not)......(think of the bad data issue) > > You can solve the problem by adding reagent A to reagent B, plotting FL3 > Vs FL2. > If you add reagent C, then a single histogram of FL5 should do the trick. > I think you > could also try probe A and probe B, both of which should have the right > spectra...Oh, > turn the power of laser 1 up a bit, and you should get some valuable > data..... > > sorry, I couldn't resist it... > please stop using terms which are totally undefined.... > > Paul Robinson > > > On 10 Dec 2001, at 11:58, Laura H > odges wrote: > > > I'd like to post a question on your website: > > > Can anyone suggest another P-gp accumulation probe > other than rhodamine 123 which has too broad of an > emission spectrum for my use. I am trying to find a > P-gp probe that can be used with other fluorescent > markers in channels FL2, FL3, and FL4 in a multicolor > assay. > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Send your FREE holiday greetings online! > http://greetings.yahoo.com > J.Paul Robinson, PhD PH:(765)4940757 > Professor of Immunopharmacology > Professor of Biomedical Engineering > Purdue University FAX:(765)4940517 > EMAIL:jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu > WEB: http://www.cyto.purdue.edu > > J.Paul Robinson, PhD PH:(765)4940757 Professor of Immunopharmacology Professor of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University FAX:(765)4940517 EMAIL:jpr@flowcyt.cyto.purdue.edu WEB: http://www.cyto.purdue.edu
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