bates@stat.wisc.edu (Douglas M. Bates) (06/26/91)
Request for discussion: comp.lang.stats
I propose the creation of a comp.lang.stats newsgroup for discussion
of programming languages for statistical data analysis. The S
language and the lisp-stat language are examples of these.
Name: comp.lang.stats
Status: Unmoderated
Charter: An unmoderated newsgroup for discussion of programming
languages for statistical data analysis and graphics. Examples of
such languages are the (new) S Language for data analysis and graphics
as described in the book by Becker, Chambers and Wilks (Wadsworth,
1988) and LISP-STAT described in the book by Tierney (Wiley, 1990).
Most of the discussion also applies to products derived from S such as
the S-Plus product from Statistical Sciences, Inc. Topics will be
programming tips, techniques, and code or data exchanges - either full
functions or fragments. The proposed group is intended primarily to
discuss data analysis, graphics, and numerical methods *as performed
using the these languages*; it is not intended to support discussions
concerning those topics directly, as groups already exist for those
purposes (e.g. sci.math.stat, sci.math.num-analysis, comp.graphics).
Why a New Group: At present there is a mailing list
S-news@stat.wisc.edu with a similar charter but restricted to the S
language. The primary distribution for this mailing list is 385
addresses. Many of these addresses are re-distribution lists.
Traffic on the list is usually around 2 to 5 messages per day.
Archives are available for anonymous ftp from wingra.stat.wisc.edu or
through the statlib server (send mail with the subject or body "send
index" to statlib@lib.stat.cmu.edu) if anyone wants to see the type of
submissions. There is sufficient traffic now that many people would
prefer a newsgroup to a mailing list. I will establish a
bi-directional gateway between the newsgroup and the mailing list for
those on the mailing list who do not have access to the newsgroup.
Schedule:
1. Discussion:
The discussion period begins on June 26, 1991. It will end on
July 26, 1991.
2. Vote:
The first call for votes will be issued on July 27, 1991.
--
Douglas Bates bates@stat.wisc.edu
Statistics Department 608/262-2598
University of Wisconsin - Madison Fax: 608/262-0032