oxtonyxo wrote:
Hi All,

This may be a little long winded, but please hear me out.
I am currently studying a Bachelors Degree in engineering with the
Open University, as part of this i am require to under take a design
project.
for my design project i have been looking at innovative ways of
weeding. To help me understand the needs of the weeder would all of
the gardeners that read this please under take a survey via the below
link? Please note this is not spam and is a genuine request.

'A Gardeners Problems Survey' (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2SSTFDV)

Thanks
Tony

I couldn't complete the survey as the brain-dead software kept saying 'The
comment you entered is in an invalid format.' As it wouldn't tell me which
one was wrong nor what format was acceptable I gave up. If there are
constraints on permissable responses you have to actually tell people what
they are! I don't know if this is a limitation of the system or if you
don't know how to drive it but the outcome is the interface can hardly be
worse as it prevents any data capture at all unless the user guesses the
required format for all questions.

Survey monkey indeed.

Some comments on your premise, that avoiding bending by using an electric
weeder standing up may avoid back pain.

There are a number of implements (powered or not) available used in this
posture. Unless the operating height is adjustable and the gadget is
stable, that is only needs to be guided not held in place by muscle effort,
you can generate as much back pain as bending or kneeling down. If you have
to lean forward or hang on to it to stop it escaping you have gained
nothing. Secondly how will the electric weeder pick up the weeds?

David