Hi Paul,
I am not sure I understand what your colleague means?
If claims are made and NOT backed up, they are liable for correction from others who would know.
And in the event that a claim is made and is backed up by notes taken at the time, then that would (or should ) qualify as evidence, I would have thought (after all PC Plod does that in a prosecution case).
Any (respected or otherwise) historian relies on research - where that takes him or her, and from where the information comes, is entirely dependent on what research is done.
Much information on this discussion group comes from personal anecdotes or information recalled by the contributor, or is posted in order to obtain information.
It should be considered to be inadvisable to limit the discussions because they are not based on parliamentary reports or other factual information - minutes of meetings or other documents. After all, discussion is the aim of the group isn't it? More so, given that it is a discussion group by name as well.
Not all reports are necessarily correct either, as in many cases they may consist of statements made on the basis of opinion, but because they are included in such documents are now considered to be correct or factual.
I bet there are many so called facts that are incorrect but which are called true statements.
Even in a court of law, many untruths are presented as true and correct evidence.
However, you should thank your colleague for bringing forward such an interesting topic of discussion which may become factual in years to come.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Nicholson
To:TramsDownUnder@...
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: [TramsDownUnder] Recording tramway history
Last night I was speaking with a respected tramway historian who was
concerned that discussion on groups like TramsDownUnder could have a
detrimental impact on legitimate historical research in the future.
My colleage was concerned that people on lists such as this are free
to make historical claims without providing the evidence (e.g.
references to parliamentary reports, etc).
I informed my colleague that I would pass on his concerns to fellow
TDU readers and let him know of any response.
I remain a great supporter of TDU and believe it is a wonderful
forum for discussion and exchange of views and information.
Paul in Melbourne
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