From: "Stouten, Pieter [R&D/0467]" <pieter.stouten <at> PHARMACIA <dot> COM>
Date: 12 dec 2002
Subject: Re: Elo ratings and grades

--- bogin <bogin <at> YAHOO <dot> CO <dot> JP> wrote:

> Perhaps, I am the only one who may feel this way, but I think
> it's probably safe to assume that the NSR is a more than
> reliable source when it comes to awarding ranks and titles.
> Of course, they are not infallible and may sometimes award
> titles on more of an honorary basis than for concrete results.
> But, I think it's quite a reach to assume that with respect
> to the recent Shogi Forum that they were just giving the 5dan
> grade away. It seems that it's quite unfair to compare the
> NSR to just anybody holding a tournament and declaring the
> winner a 5dan or for that matter any other dan. I believe
> that their decisions could carry much more wait than that.
>
Madonna! The *ONLY* point I made was that there is no logical relationship
between the decision to rate a tournament and the decision to accept grades
awarded by the organizers of that tournament, whoever these organizers are.
Yes, I trust NSR's judgement and yes I am in favour of accepting the grade
they award to the winner of a major tournament, but that decision has
nothing to do with the decision to rate the tournament for the Pan-Atlantic
Elo list.

Normally, I am not at a loss of words, but I feel I am not getting through
at all this time. Maybe someone else (Larry?) can articulate my point
better.

Ciao,

Pieter