Are research questions acceptable?

The site FAQ says 'You should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that you face.' Can we or should we include research questions in that (perhaps depending on how much contextual information the OP provides), or should they be ruled off topic?

mopennock

• discussion
• questions

Comments

• Donald.McLean: What do you mean by a "research question"?
• mopennock: This q, for example - http://digitalpreservation.stackexchange.com/questions/207/is-it-impossible-to-produce-old-electronics-in-new-factories
• part of a research project or PhD. So it's not a problem in a current professional, working context, but a it's a problem being considered in the context of a piece of research.

Answer by Donald.McLean

The proper constituency of this site does not consist entirely of professional preservationists. Therefore, the scope of allowable questions does not consist entirely of those questions relating to "professional, working" contexts.

I see no reason why research questions would now be welcome. I also think that amateur questions should also be welcome. I can't see any reason why we should exclude members of any group that have questions that are otherwise on topic.

Comments

• mopennock: Suggest we amend the FAQ then. Current text is as follows: Q: What kind of questions can I ask here? A: Digital Preservation Stack Exchange is for professionals working to ensure long term access to digital objects.'
• Paul Wheatley: @Donald: Do you mean "I see no reason why research questions would *not* be welcome."?

Answer by gmcgath

I think research questions, in the sense defined in your clarifying comment, are definitely on topic, all other factors allowing. I further agree that the FAQ should not say this area is professionals-only. If we don't allow students, where are future preservationists going to go?

Comments

• Donald.McLean: Nicely worded! +1
• Paul Wheatley: +1 from me too. This is really important stuff for shaping the DP stack community. Although I would note that the question Mo quoted on re-producing old electronics was out of scope for DP Stack for other reasons.