Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 16:33:16 -0500
From: "David Williams" <dwilliams

Since the invention of the Light Curve Generator, there is no
justification for withholding observations because of uncertainty about
stars' light curves to see how your estimates match up.

I'm confident in my own estimates (darn it, RS Oph was definitely 9.3
I call it "validating my own data."  At least once or twice per year, I
discover that my blue data point is way off from all the red points.  I
then review the chart, my observing note, and if necessary, look at the
field again on the next clear night.  In every case, I have been able to
resolve the problem and ask HQ to revise or delete the observation.  

Now that observers can review their own data, there is no reason why an
estimate reported as "0.3" has to remain in the database when the
correct estimate was "10.3"!  Proofread your report before clicking on
Submit.  Review your data with the LCG to catch those instances when you
may have estimated a nearby field star when the variable was invisible
(the "Z Tau syndrome") or read "8.9" in dim red light when the chart
actually labels the comp star as "9.9".  Those sixes, eights, and nines
are hard to distinguish.

David B. Williams (WI)

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