[Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

[Alex Krickx]

I think the wiki is a great idea...  And I think that the points about needing QC are valid so that misinformation is not posted. However, I do think that an open source set-up is key which makes QC a bit harder. I would vote for a more open system and hope that users QC new pages rather than having a more controlled system. I think my biggest fear would be that any QC body get bogged down and creating a large lag time between articles/pages being written and then being published. Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Alex Krickx

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Carol Gardner
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 11:32 AM
To: Kendra Tupper
Cc: Ellen Franconi; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org; Joe Deringer
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

I agree with Kendra about IBPSA being an excellent organization to be the administrative body overseeing a BEM WIKI. The membership is composed of people who develop and use virtually every simulation tool there is. Their main concern is the quality of simulation tools and the accuracy of their results, thus the BEMP exam which they proposed to ASHRAE and helped to create using ASHRAE's professional certification process.

I remember the first IBPSA meeting that took place in San Francisco during a summer ASHRAE meeting (you guys know I was here when dirt was invented) in the late '80s. I don't remember it occurring due to ASHRAE limiting the open discussion of modeling tools, I think it was more that ASHRAE didn't think they were that important - kind of a flash in the pan technology. ASHRAE, at that time, wasn't really interested in energy conservation, just chillers, compressors and such. Our first meeting was in a lessor hotel connected to the conference on a really hot day. Pretty heady stuff. We decided it was time to organize a new society dedicated to the development and use of energy modeling tools and we were the charter members. IBPSA has grown by leaps and bounds since then and usually make so much money off of their conferences and dinner meetings that they don't have to charge a fee for membership. Not too likely they'd start charging for the use or administration of a BEM WIKI.

My 2 cents....

Carol
On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 9:55 AM, Kendra Tupper <ktupper at rmi.org<mailto:ktupper at rmi.org>> wrote:
IBPSA is in fact already developing a BEMBook WIKI (Building Energy Modeling = BEM). Rocky Mountain Institute is providing much of the starting content from the training course we will be giving at Simbuild in August. This initial content will be more focused on the building science fundamentals behind energy modeling, as opposed to specific programs.

However, the intent is for the content to grow, and to have WIKI sections on different tools such as eQUEST. IBPSA is currently deciding who will maintain and QC that content, but I don't forsee any problems with IBPSA (or RMI for that matter) being the administrative body, as neither organization has any allegiance to a particular tool. It was my understanding that one of the reasons that IBPSA formed was as a result of ASHRAE not allowing opening discussion of these tools, and IBPSA has always fostered such open dialogue.

One idea that we (IBPSA and RMI) had was creating an expert review board that would QC any content before it was published to the WIKI - while the one-building lists are incredibly useful and we are all indebted to them, there are alot of incorrect answers floating around in the archives. It would be nice to have a resource that documents solutions and work-arounds that at least have scientific consensus from some of the more experienced users.


Kendra Tupper, PE, LEED AP
Senior Consultant
Built Environment Team

Rocky Mountain Institute  |  T  303-567-8641 |  F  303-245-7213  |  www.rmi.org<http://www.rmi.org>


On Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 2:39 PM, Nick Caton <ncaton at smithboucher.com<mailto:ncaton at smithboucher.com>> wrote:
I don't meant to sound contrarian... but just so it's considered - why exactly should additional bodies (like IBPSA/ASHRAE/etc) gain administrative control over this body?  I won't speculate doomsday scenarios, but I am concerned such additional oversight might ultimately water down what topics we are and aren't permitted to discuss openly and freely ($$$) as we are today.

I personally feel the onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org> lists have been administered and moderated extremely well (fairly and unobtrusively) for the period I have been reading and actively participating. My thanks to Jason Glazer and any other unsung heroes making this happen =).

~Nick

NICK CATON, E.I.T.
PROJECT ENGINEER
25501 west valley parkway
olathe ks 66061
direct 913 344.0036
fax 913 345.0617
Check out our new web-site @ www.smithboucher.com<http://www.smithboucher.com>

-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] On Behalf Of Lopez, Phylroy
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 2:01 PM
To: Lopez, Phylroy; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

Also, It would be good if the maintenance / administration was at least co-ordinated by some body or organization...maybe IBPSA international?

Phylroy Lopez B.Eng LEED A.P.
Sustainable Building Specialist
Stantec
1100 - 111 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V6B 6A3
Ph: (604) 696-8337
Fx:  (604) 696-8100
www.stantec.com<http://www.stantec.com>

The content of this email is the confidential property of Stantec and should not be copied, modified, retransmitted, or used for any purpose except with Stantec's written authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete all copies and notify us immediately.

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-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] On Behalf Of Lopez, Phylroy
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 11:56 AM
To: Sami, Vikram; Jason Glazer; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

I can help out as well.. I have some wiki experience.

We could use MediaWiki.. Simple to set up and is the same engine as Wikipedia with lots of plug-ins.  It needs MySql, PHP, and a mailserver, and obviously a place to back up to.  There are other wikis depending on the platform onebuilding is using. I've set this up on windows and unix.



Phylroy Lopez B.Eng LEED A.P.
Sustainable Building Specialist
Stantec
1100 - 111 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver BC V6B 6A3
Ph: (604) 696-8337
Fx:  (604) 696-8100
www.stantec.com<http://www.stantec.com>

The content of this email is the confidential property of Stantec and should not be copied, modified, retransmitted, or used for any purpose except with Stantec's written authorization. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete all copies and notify us immediately.

Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] On Behalf Of Sami, Vikram
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 10:55 AM
To: Jason Glazer; equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

I don't mind helping out. I think it will be a useful site.

I don't have experience with wikis though.

Vikram Sami, LEED AP
Sustainable Design Analyst
1382 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
t: 404-443-7462    f: 404.892.5823       e: vikram.sami at perkinswill.com<mailto:vikram.sami at perkinswill.com>   www.perkinswill.com<http://www.perkinswill.com>
Perkins+Will.  Ideas + buildings that honor the broader goals of society



-----Original Message-----
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] On Behalf Of Jason Glazer
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 1:23 PM
To: equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST

I think if we added a Wiki on onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org> that it would
be available for all of the mailing lists. I would assume
that questions on specific simulation programs (such as
eQUEST) would be on pages devoted that program. Whether
people step forward and create useful content, that I can't
control.

So, if I install a the Wiki software on onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org>
someone (or some group) needs to do some organization and
perhaps some administration. Any interested in helping with
that?

Jason

On 6/22/2010 11:49 AM, Nick Caton wrote:
> A perspective:
>
> A lot of people mistakenly sign up for only [bldg-sim] and/or
> [equest-users] to the exclusion of the other onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org> lists.  In
> reality, there is a TON of useful information/discussion for any
> individual that is actively posted to the different "sub-groups" here...
> The body of people contributing across these lists is not something we
> should risk inadvertently dividing / pulling apart by making an "eQuest"
> only wiki.  Make no mistake - no archive of useful information will ever
> be as functional as the community people who created it.
>
> My general suggestion is, if any such forum/wiki were to be conceived,
> it really, really ought to be inclusive of all the onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org>
> lists, or else it may risk breaking apart the single most useful body of
> professionals/practitioners/academics that I have ever known.  If any
> final outcome ultimately disperses this group, I'd rather shoot the
> notion down to start.
>
> ~Nick
>
> cid:489575314 at 22072009-0ABB**
>
> * *
>
> *NICK CATON, E.I.T.***
>
> PROJECT ENGINEER
>
> 25501 west valley parkway
>
> olathe ks 66061
>
> direct 913 344.0036
>
> fax 913 345.0617
>
> /Check out our new web-site @ /www.smithboucher.com_ _
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>
> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] *On Behalf Of
> *Lopez, Phylroy
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 22, 2010 11:39 AM
> *Cc:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST
>
> I think this is an excellent idea.. Not only for eQuest but for other
> simulation software.. Currently there is the IBPSA wiki that is active
> and could be used.
>
> http://bembook.su-per-b.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
>
> As well as the NY chapter of IBPSA has some information..
>
> http://energymodeling.pbworks.com/
>
> The question is.. Should there is a eQuest-only wiki?
>
> *Phylroy Lopez B.Eng LEED A.P.*
> Sustainable Building Specialist
> Stantec
>
> 1100 - 111 Dunsmuir Street
> Vancouver BC V6B 6A3
> Ph: (604) 696-8337
> Fx: (604) 696-8100
>
> *stantec*.com <http://www.stantec.com>
>
> The content of this email is the confidential property of Stantec and
> should not be copied, modified, retransmitted, or used for any purpose
> except with Stantec's written authorization. If you are not the intended
> recipient, please delete all copies and notify us immediately.
>
> ü Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>
> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] *On Behalf Of *Bruce
> Easterbrook
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:16 AM
> *To:* Anthony Hardman
> *Cc:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] WIKI for eQUEST
>
> With eQuest there are many ways to skin a cat reflecting the users past
> experience and what problem they were solving when they learned the
> technique. The eQuest training session skips past much of the important
> geometry input to get to some of the meatier subjects. There are a lot
> of subjects not covered in training, and many new ideas are evolving. A
> Wiki would be great and solve a few problems with this forum. Many
> questions are answered over and over. The forum subject lines are not
> always indicative of the information contained in the post. There are a
> few different opinions on some of the topics. A Wiki would put the
> techniques up where other "experts" could put in their 2 cents as well
> and a good reference library could be quickly built with the best
> answer. It would be very handy at 3 in the morning when you are banging
> your head on a wall after missing something simple but critical and most
> of the forum is sleeping. Plus I would imagine there would be some new
> tricks to be learned by the old dogs too.
> Bruce Easterbrook P.Eng.
> Abode Engineering
>
> On 22/06/2010 11:54 AM, Anthony Hardman wrote:
>
> I think it could be extremely useful depending on how it's implemented.
>
> Lots of industries use it already.
>
>
>
> While it's great to have access to the multitude of eQuest opinions, I think
>
> it also has the tendency to be overwhelming for the average new user.    For
>
> example, Joe the Newbie asks,"how do I do such and such,"  which prompts a
>
> cascade of 5 different answers.
>
>
>
> If I'm looking for a reference, I'd be more interested in 1 good answer
>
> rather than 5 possible answers.
>
>
>
> To address that, would it be possible to create mini"think tanks"  composed
>
> of 3-5 volunteer sim professionals (per question) who are willing to
>
> collaborate and come up with that"1 good answer"  to be included in the wiki
>
> FAQ?
>
>
>
> I'd volunteer my time for that!
>
>
>
> Anthony Hardman, PE
>
> Building Energy Analyst
>
> Geo-Energy Services
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:From%3Aequest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>  <mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>>
>
> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>] On Behalf Of Jason
>
> Glazer
>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 9:08 AM
>
> To:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:To%3Aequest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>  <mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>>
>
> Subject: Re: [Equest-users] make exterior wall an interior wall
>
>
>
> I have considered adding a Wiki to the onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org> web
>
> site to allow material related to specific simulation
>
> programs (such as a Frequently Asked Questions for
>
> eQUEST-users) to be posted. The visual guide that you put
>
> together would probably be a good addition. Would a Wiki be
>
> useful?
>
>
>
> Jason
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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--
Jason Glazer, P.E., GARD Analytics, 90.1 ECB chair
Admin for onebuilding.org<http://onebuilding.org> building performance mailing lists
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--
Carol Gardner PE
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