I am not thinking only of purely commercial FAQs (i.e. a FAQ on the products of
one company, maintained by that company) but FAQs of a more general nature
sponsored by commercial interests in return for advertising.
As for commercial FAQs we already tolerate FAQs on commercial products when
they are maintained by people independent of the company that makes the
products. What is wrong with the same information being promulgated by
the company itself? (With full disclosure of the origin of the FAQ.)
As for non-commercial FAQs, I doubt that there are many FAQ maintainers
that would not like to be able to spend more time researching and enhancing
their FAQ. By the same token, I am sure that most FAQ maintainers could
justify more time on their FAQ if it actually generated some direct income.
Given this, and the obvious parallels with other sources of information
(magazines, newspapers, television, etc.), how long will it be before some
FAQ or other contains the words:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This FAQ brought to you in part by Acme Computer Products.
When you need a fruzzle blitzer, multi-media bongle, or merely a desk-top
cravitz, call the friendly experts at Acme. We are the proud sponsor of
this FAQ and hope you find the contents helpful and entertaining.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
One wonders what the reaction of the FAQ maintainer (as well as FAQ reader)
community will be? And will we have passed into the realm of more complete
and carefully researched FAQs or merely cheapened what has been a "higher
calling"?
regards
g.
pajari@Faximum.COM -*- Editor of the comp.dcom.fax FAQ
George Pajari / Faximum Software / Tel: +1 (604) 925-3600 / Fax: ... 926-8182
1497 Marine Drive, Suite 300 / West Vancouver, BC / Canada V7T 1B8
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