Petition to have generalized "Is my water OK" and "Is my water profile OK" related posts moved away from Brew Science

[Silver_Is_Money]

Since I believe water profiles to be far more akin to mysticism than to science, and see little hard science involved in most questions related to the subject (albeit that some are indeed legit) I propose that such questions which have little bearing upon science be given their own "Water and Water Profiles" forum. This thread can be used as a debate platform of sorts (please be civil) whereby to agree or disagree and present sound reasons as to why.

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

Crickets

 

[Vale71]

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

The silence crickets that hurt the most are those from the science related types among us. It's almost as if this subject has induced a certain fear or uncertainty among them. The fear of not belonging or fitting in with a perceived majority, I presume. Scientific silence is a means whereby to feign a semblance of belonging and comradery among those of us within the homebrewing community who are not oriented toward science.

 

[Vale71]

Or, much more prosaically, we're just happy with ignoring those threads.

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

Or, much more prosaically, we're just happy with ignoring those threads.

Contrary to you, I try my hardest to give real answers (including a show of the math details where appropriate) whenever I can. I don't avoid threads about "Is my water OK" simply because I think they are misplaced in the brewing science forum. And I would answer them just the same if they were initiated within their own water forum.

Every time I work through the math my hope is that someone has just been enlightened whereby to be able to undertake it on their own.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I'd rather those than another B-word thread.

 

[Dinadan]

Scientific silence is a means whereby to feign a semblance of belonging and comradery among those of us within the homebrewing community who are not oriented toward science.

The water profile threads have not bothered me, but I am a new member. And I am not especially science oriented when it comes to brewing. Home brewing is a hobby, not a career.

It is kind of like astronomy. Amateur astronomers range from those who just use their own eyes to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, to those whose instruments are not far below the level of professionals. Some look at the sky and see constellations that help them appreciate the continuity of the human experience from the ancient world to the present. Some see the dance of physics playing out before their eyes, and eagerly try to understand how what they see or measure fits into new revelations about the nature of the universe.

When it comes to brewing, I am kind of like the amateur astronomers who mainly want to observe and admire the cosmos. I like brewing because it gives me a connection, however tenuous, to the folks who have made beer and wine for thousands of years. It is exactly like how I sometimes cook my supper over a fire in the back yard, just as Homer described it in the Odyssey. (Too bad Homer did not describe beer making!) The science does not interest too much, so I just tune out the threads that go all technical.

I realize I got off topic here, and I am not against Silver's idea. It just seems like a bit of tunnel vision to me.

 

[Qhrumphf]

The issue isn't the content of the posts, but rather their posting in the Brewing Science section, at least that's how I interpret the complaint.

This section has been the water chemistry section as long as I've been on HBT. So people coming to this section to ask questions about it, however basic, doesn't bug me.

Half the time I don't check what section something has been posted in as thoroughly as I should anyway. And if the "i didn't realize this was in the cider section" posts from many besides myself are an indication, I'm far from alone.

 

[mabrungard]

Those threads are where a layman can actually pick up the equations and techniques for deciphering water and additions. They are fine to be in the Brew Science forum.

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw (probably not much) I've always directed folks with water issues to the Brew Science forum because that's where you smart folks hang out
Given the traffic here is so small I don't see a burden continuing that paradigm...

Cheers!

 

[Jayjay1976]

Given that the earth is flat, how deep can I safely dig a well, and how much drywall will I need to add in order to brew a glitter beer?

Asking for a friend.

 

[Mark3885]

So is this a water forum? Just got my water report for my well water that was run through a softener then analyzed. What should I add and how much to brew an Amber lager. I always brew 10 gallons at a time . Is there anything that is high? Sodium perhaps? Thanks