>Fred, here is my thought process comparing tower engineering programs to
>spreadsheet programs.
>
>Spreadsheets just do well established mathematical operations (sums,
>differences, percentages, etc.) on functions that are generated by the end
>user. All results are solely dependent on the creation of appropriate
>models by the end user and any safety factors he might build into his models
>are his and his alone. The spread sheet is no more than a multi-dimensional
>calculator.
>
>A tower modeling program, on the other hand, is a collection of formulas and
>safety factors developed by the author of the program for which the end user
>has little or no control, especially the unsophisticated end user who is
>solely dependent on the assumptions and accuracy of the model.
This is kinda what I was trying to say, also, in my inept way. (W7NI)
>PS Possibly a better comparison can be made between tower modeling programs
>and tax preparation programs. The end user is subject to the assumptions
>and models in the tax program. Maybe the CYA disclaimer of a tax program is
>strong enough--especially if the tower program is sold only as a preliminary
>design program and advises everyone to have the results signed off by a PE
>in the state of use. But then I think one should be able to sue the IRS for
>bad advice but they have their own disclaimer!
>
>John Brosnahan W0UN
The tax preparation program comparison falls down a little also because I
can't see how an innocent bystander can get maimed or killed because you
make a mistake in your taxes.
Stan W7NI@teleport.com
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