Purim is the holiday where G-d parts the curtains and gives us a glance at what goes on behind the scenes. In that spirit, we here at Beyond Teshuva would like to give you a glance at what goes on behind the scenes adminstering the blog. In doing so, we have reproduced a sample of private emails sent to the administrators as well as conversations between the administrators so that all of you can get a snapshot of what has to happen before you see the fruits of our collective efforts here on the blog.
Sometimes it appears to readers of the blog that we don’t give any hard and fast answers. Below I have excerpted an email conversation that exhibits Mark’s ability to cut through the morass of nonspecific advice and give a straightforward, direct answer. The results are life changing.
Dear BeyondBT:
I love your site, it has been so helpful to so many in so many ways. I’m hoping you can help me with my specific problem. I didn’t want to put it on the blog because it is a little personal. Here goes: My 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis has aprox 50,000 miles on her. I recently installed a rebuilt alternator that I boosted to 100 amps instead of the normal 65-70-amp type. How can I make sure that it’s working properly?
Buddy, Topeka Kansas
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Buddy,
This is a question we get all of the time. Basically, if the battery in your car is in good condition, the best way to test your altenator is to perform a cold start of your engine. Keep your eye on the voltage across the battery terminals to verify that it registers somewhere between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If not, double check that the alternator belt is in good condition and properly tensioned then perform the cold start test again.
Mark
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Dear Mark,
Thank you for you speedy response. Worked like a charm. You the man.
Buddy
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Buddy,
Rock on.
Mark
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Almost brings tears to your eyes, no?
When people see the blog, they see it as a finished product. They are often not aware of the deep thought and wrenching decisions that go into the determination of what to post and when to post it. Take a look at this email exchange between Mark and me which illustrates exactly what I mean.
David,
I’ve got nothing in the submission bank to post today. Your thoughts?
P.S. What are you having for lunch?
Mark
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Mark,
I was thinking of chinese.
David
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David,
I thought you said you were trying to watch your weight.
Mark
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Mark,
I am. I might just get some chicken and vegetables, steamed with brown rice and sauce on the side.
David
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David,
You call that chinese food?
Mark
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Mark,
You’re right. Maybe I’ll just get some sushi.
David
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David,
Do you mean sushi or sashimi?
Mark
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Mark,
Dunno. It’s all the same to me.
David
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David,
Ok. Now that that’s resolved. What are we going to do about the post?
Mark
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Mark,
Look, I gotta get back to work. Maybe just throw something together about a BT who can’t eat in his parents house or somethin’.
David
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Not as easy as it looks, huh?
Finally, administering this blog often requires us to discern the nuances and differences contained in the written language. (And I’m not just talking about having a thesaurus handy for Rabbi Dovid Schwartz’ posts). In order to do so, one must have a handle on where the writer is coming from, where they are going and what is important to him/her. I have excerpted a correspondence between prominent blogger and commenter Steve Brizel and Mark and me.
David,
IMO, as a BT, a former YU and NCSY guy, a FYUANCSYABT, if you will, when RYBS addressed the issue of FW vs PD he, IMHO, IIRC, quoted RAIK based on the RASHBA, the RITVA and another acronym that escapes me now LOL. Anyway, when GL posted regarding TFS and EP, I was taken aback. Do you think I should IM him or JFAI?
SB
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Steve,
Huh?
David
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Mark,
Where did you find this David Linn guy? He barely speaks english!!
SB
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Steve,
Its not like this is a paid position or something so you take who you can get. What can I tell ya?
Mark
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And these are just a few examples!
So, dear readers, before you criticize the blog please take into account the time, effort exerted and the acumen applied to get you the finished product.
Happy Purim to all.
Originally posted – March, 2006
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