The ABCs of COIs

In the post "Dr. Strangeaudit - or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Read the COIs" I discussed the joys of exploring TC 207's clarifications of intent (COIs). Better than sex wasn't it - OK, maybe not, but you probably slept almost as well, didn't you? Anyway, maybe you found that reading them from start to finish was a waste of a good cigarette.

The COIs can confuse more than help if read the wrong way. Apparently TC 207 has never heard of a FAQ, so I am working on an index. Meanwhile, below are some (I hope) helpful navigation tips:

A is for "A FAQ would be helpful here." The COIs are in a Q&A format, so rather than reading straight through, it's better to use them as a diagnostic tool. Remember, COIs are specific to the question's context, so don't apply them too broadly. See "F" below if you read the first 2-3 pages and didn't see any Q&A.

B is for "Beginners like FAQs." Each question is numbered - Fabulous! Some questions refer to each other by number - Neato!! The numbers start with the year, older questions first - Brilliant!!! Unfortunately this helps ALMOST NO ONE since there is no index of questions!

C is for "Could we please have a FAQ?!!" The COIs are rolling: those made for the 1996 edition are still valid for the current version (2004), unless removed or revised (which is noted). You have to parse through all the COI documents to see all the questions because there is no comprehensive cross-reference.

D is for "Definitely read this tip." Read the COIs with an objective eye (it helps to be sober). TC 207 makes their own definition for certain words. If not, the rule is to use the most relevant (not common) dictionary meaning. Just like mom always said: "Look it up!"

One important term left to fend for itself is "significant," which can mean different things depending on context. Skewed COI readings have been the downfall of many. Look for a particularly nasty example in a future blog called "Covering your Aspects" - coming soon...

E is for "Everyone with a certified system, take note." COIs don't account for specific accreditation rules and requirements ("We don't need no stinkin' certs!"). If you are a certified system, or plan to register, there may be additional requirements that apply - there certainly are in the "good ol' U.S. of A." So put on your PJs and bop on over to the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) website where you can guarantee another good night's sleep with the "Accreditation Rules" for U.S. certifications.

F is for the grade I would give the COI format. The instructions for submitting a question to TC 207 take up the first 2-3 pages of the COI - scroll past the boilerplate BS for the Q&A. There is no TC 207 "hot-line, " so if you want a different question answered, see the "condensed" instructions for submitting to TC 207 (p.1-3) - just don't hold your breath waiting for the answer! If you get selected, it apparently takes months to respond (so much for instant gratification). You're SOL for any answer unless your question is both carefully crafted and deemed valuable to share - unlike American Idol, really bad questions won't earn you fifteen minutes of fame.