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4specs Discussion Forum » Archive - Specifications Discussions #3 » "Specifications" Thread vs "Product Discussions" Thread « Previous Next »

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John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: john_regener

Post Number: 394
Registered: 04-2002
Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2008 - 11:25 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

What's the distinction between the "Specifications" thread and the "Product Discussions" thread on 4specs.com?

I find a lot of technical discussion about building products in the "Specifications" thread. Is it because the writers want to know how to specify a certain product? OK but what then is the "Product Discussions" thread?

The subtitle for the "Specifications" thread is "Discussions about specification issues". For the "Product Discussions" thread the subtitle is "Do you have a question about products?" Maybe I'm nitpicking but nitpicking is what specifiers do.

I haven't seen any discussions about specifications writing principles and practices. Do we all have that stuff down cold? Apparently so. Well, I don't and I wrote a book about the subject and just did a presentation at EcoBuild in Anaheim (SPECS 101: Fundamentals of Construction Specification Formats and Principles). I know that I need to know the fundamentals better and to apply them more skillfully to suit the unique needs of each project.

I have to remind myself when I write specs that the four C's apply always: Clear, Complete, Correct and Concise. And these are dynamic and change according to the needs of each project. To me, they are part of the "art" of spec writing that will still need to be applied to specs under BIM or when specs are produced with a computer-assisted specifications program.

There are two other topics that I included in the brief EcoBuild presentation that are fundamental to specifications writing: the four methods of specifying (descriptive, reference standard, proprietary and performance) and specification resources. I consider proper application and mixing of the methods of specifying to be part of the "art" of specifications writing. And knowing and having expedient access to specifications resources help in applying the four C's and being more productive.

I think there is or should be lots to discuss about specifications writing, from the fundamentals to the sophisticated issues of specifications for various project delivery methods. What are/will be specs on a BIM project? What are "shortform" specs and "sheet" specs, and how do the four C's apply to them ("concise" trumps "complete?")?

To me, discussion about products and construction technology belong in the thread "Product Discussions."
Marc C Chavez
Senior Member
Username: mchavez

Post Number: 305
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 11:06 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I agree, specs should be about language and placement of information.
Products, how to do, and have you seen..., belong in products.

yes there will be a litle overlap but not tons.

M
Marc C Chavez
Senior Member
Username: mchavez

Post Number: 306
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 11:12 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

And while I'm at it. Both product and specification discussions, for the most part, could begin with the section or proposed section number. This would really help any future reader sort the threads when looking for a product OR is discussing language for a specific Section or Division.

On second thought - why bother with numbering systems - they're not really important. Who'd use a numbering system to catagorize building products?

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