Jim Thomas’ Plain Talk column in the November 2004 issue of SN, which addresses the success story of the ASTM technical committees, is an excellent one. It is a story that illustrates how much good work can be achieved through a spirit of cooperation and, at times, some compromise. Company hats seem to be left at the doors of the committee rooms, where everyone dons an ASTM hat. And the success of the system is evident — as shown by the 77-volumes of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, which has been created by perhaps a million volunteers. When I became a member of the ASTM staff in 1965 there were only three volumes, as I recall.

Harold M. Cobb
Kennett Square, Pa.
Member, ASTM Committees A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and A05 on Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Products