Several people here have made requests that I have not yet responded to for me to analyze additional oils, explain our analytical techniques, and to post the G.C. graphs on the board. I have decided that this would not be appropriate. Allow me to put some perspective around this decision.
First, running and interpreting gas chromatographs is a complex task that requires considerable time and resources. As a VP of the company I have a responsibility to assure that corporate resources are allocated in an efficient manner and consistent with our business interests. Accordingly I must be on guard to not allow this analytical work to morph into a personal interest project. As much as I enjoy the enthusiastic spirit of this board and the informative exchanges, there has to be a limit when it comes to using company resources.
Second, I consider our G.C. techniques, interpretation skills, competitive knowledge, and extensive database to be confidential and proprietary information. To display and explain such information on a public forum in sufficient detail for most BITOGers to understand is just not appropriate.
Third, let’s say I did post the graphs. I would have to have numerous additional G.Cs run of reference standards, scan them, and upload them to the forum. Then write volumes and volumes of step-by-step layman language instructions to explain what you are looking at, including chemistry lessons, analytical theory, interpretation rules, product variations, and quantification techniques. When all the smoke clears, what will really change? There will still be a group here who say “I believe it” and another group who say “I don’t buy it”. The arguments will rage on, name calling will intensify, and I will be answering questions for months to come. Don’t get me wrong, I still love you guys (and ladies
), but I have a day job and a few other interests beyond oil (gasp!). As it is I spend considerable time typing posts in the morning, evening, and on lunch hour. It’s fun and I’ll continue to do so, but have mercy! Motor oil, and more specifically base oil composition, is just not the center of my life. Now anyone who wants to talk about growing tomatoes & garlic, Victorian watercolor paintings, or wine, come on in!
My posts were not intended to make a statement, take a competitive position, or make accusations – my intent was simply to share some information I thought would be of interest. I am a bit surprised by the reaction, but I guess that just reflects the spirit that makes this board so addicting.
Tom
