[GRLUG] Distro's - GRLUG test comment, dead thread

[Adam bultman]

I haven't been able to address this email until now. (Well, I started 
one earlier, but Thunderbird ate it.)  Please read.

Ron Lauzon wrote:
<snip>
>
> I too often see people who post "I want to write a program do <insert 
> some very complicated thing here>.  How do I do that?" and follow up 
> with responses like "What's a compiler?" and "What's an editor?"
>
> I give them credit for trying, but they are in so far over their heads 
> that it would take quite some time to explain everything to them - and 
> the ones that I typically have seen, get very defensive when you try to 
> explain that to them.
> Well, we graduated from the School of Hard Knocks, and then someone, 
>   
> usually without appreciation, wants you to just give them the answer.  
> Have too many people do that to you and see how elitist and snobbish you 
> get - especially when they take credit for your work and think that they 
> are knowledgeable because of it.
>   

Goodness gracious, Ron, please tell me you aren't like this in person,  
that you're just being argumentative.  I hope you realize that if the 
rest of the Open Source people were like you, Open Source wouldn't 
exist.  For that matter, simple chivalry wouldn't exist.

Sometimes, you need to do things For The Common Good instead of Looking 
Out For Number One.  Sometimes, you need to give someone the answer so 
they can move forward and learn. You know, how teachers helped you when 
you were younger, and how other computer people helped you when you were 
learning, either via MAN pages, HOWTOs, or say, computer books.  

I really hope you don't attempt to talk to others about linux, or open 
source software, because you'd be doing way more damage than good.  
Actually, I hope you don't interact with people often at all because 
seriously, your attitudes are corrosive. 

Adam "What the hell have you done for me lately, and more importantly, 
why should I give a damn" Bultman