MSL vs. AGL (Again)

Eric Greenwell wrote:
On 7/19/2011 12:10 PM, Tom Stock wrote:
wrote:
The MSL/AGL issue has come before the Caesar Creek Soaring Club Board
once again. Not only has the Club been thrown into turmoil again, this
time it has specifically affected our instructors and how to most
effectively teach our students. I am curious if there are other Clubs
or organizations that teach using AGL.
Rolf Hegele
Member of the Board

I was taught that it is up to the. pilot in command. When flying around
the local airport, agl zero is fine. when flying cross country, MSL zero
is standard practice but not necessarily reliable since you do not know
where you will be landing.

You've stated a couple of things in ways that aren't familiar to me. What
does "MSL zero" mean? Or maybe you meant "set it to field elevation"? And
why would it be more reliable if you knew where you were landing?

Sorry, typing on my iphone, made a few edits but did not proof read it
again..