This is exactly the kind of aloof response so many people expect from
academics and museum "types". It comes off as condescending, leaving a
lasting negative impression with the visitor they are likely to pass on
to others.
         Representing a university art museum, I think I can appreciate the
scholarly standards that drive this community. Since we provide
services (education AND entertainment) and not products that we can sell,
we need to welcome all visitors and their inquiries. This is even more
true in light of the outlook for governmentally funded museums. The
ever-shrinking pot of public funds needs to be replaced by private
funds--industry, individuals, foundations for the public good. What
funder would want to be associated with a museum that scares away its
constituency? Bad press, I think.

Kevin Canze
University of Michigan Museum of Art
[log in to unmask]
http://www.umich.edu/~umma

On Wed, 7 Feb 1996, AUDREY B. DAVIS wrote:

> Using Yahoo or other net searches hardly requires expertise and is
> the most basic information anyone who places him/herself on the net
> should learn. It would also help if questions such as this one were
> not broadcast to over 1,000 people, some of whom pay for the
> privilege. Why not call a local weather station or TV weather
> program, etc.? Don't you think we ought to consider options in
> getting information before we bother so many people on the net?
> Audrey Davis
> National Museum of Dentistry
> Baltimore, MD
>