S3/SimDB

[Dave DeYoung]

Dear Miguel, Carlos, Gerard et al.;

In reading all of this email traffic, I am struck by the
similarities of the problems in the theory IG with those
in VO efforts at large.  The over arching issue that has
wurfaced again and again is the tension between the IT 
side
that wishes to develop complex and complete structures, 
and
the general astronomy side that wants simple, usable and
immediately understandable tools.  VO projects are 
reaching
the critical operational stage.  If the astronomy
community sees no use in VO tools and services, it is 
clear
that funding will vanish very quickly.  We cannot go to
the astronomers, theorists and observers, and say. "look 
at
these really cool tools we have.  In order to use them,
all you have to do is learn one or more new languages,
learn a host of new procedures and acronyms, and then, if
they work, you will be on your way."

The astronomy community, including theorists, has a 
history
of inventing what they need as they go along, with minimal
effort (and minimal generality).  In order to address the
crucial "take-up" problem, one has to put one's self in
the position of the average astronomer or theorist, who
will ask:  "Why do I need this?  Why should I care?  Does
it help me in my immediate research?".  If the answers are
no, the astronomer will go away, and she/he will also tell
friends that the VO is irrelevant.

So let is strive for simplicity, minimal complexity,
and maximal utility.
Otherwise, we will just be talking to one another when 
they
turn off the lights.

Best wishes,

Dave