green
Group: Members
Posts: 453
Joined: Oct. 2004 |
 |
Posted: Feb. 03 2005,01:41 |
 |
I'll add my two cents to this one.
Yes, I am guilty as charged. I'm a noob/newb, hoping to graduate out of it someday.
From my perspective, a lot of docs I've read that are supposed to help new folks, take a lot for granted. This is no new subject. All forums and distro's I've played with discuss this issue and have the same perceived problem.
Just being honest here, it seems to me that whomever is going to be responsible for documentation take a stand and say, "this is the style of doc that we are writing. If you don't like it, we are sorry. But that does not mean we don't want you around to enjoy this distro with us." I say this because most docs take a lot for granted. Myself and so many others have been completely brainwashed by the microsoft way of doing things that it is very difficult for some us to break out of that. I am learning, maybe slowly, but learning none the less and all of the individuals mentioned in your post (Clivesay), including you, have helped me at one time or another. And quite frankly, I don't think I would understand some of the concepts without that personal assistance.
So, for the record, let me say thank you for your patience and thank you to the others as well.
With all that said (here's the meat), most docs are written by someone with knowledge of the subject at hand (i should hope) but I have to wonder if they themselves have forgotten what it was like to look at Linux or DSL in particular and say, "what IS that?" "I like it, but have no idea what it is, but I wanna know more!" Does that sound familiar? What about those who have never done more than check email and browse the web? Not trying to belittle anyone, but those types will not know what to do in the least. Using windows they never had to go read anything, tweak this, or change that or "go in as root." I remember thinking, "What the hell is that?" See the perspective?
I understand some people may get tired of answering the same old questions all the time.
So, back to my earlier comment, it comes down to this:
"Look Mr/Mrs Noob, if you don't understand, go look for it because I ain't gonna help you until you do AND make some kind of attempt at it AFTER you go look for the answer AND I can tell if you looked for the answer by the way you word your questions."
Either you let everyone know up front that this is how it's gonna be OR you answer all those questions again and again and like it.
Disclaimer: The word 'you' contained in the above is not directed at any idividual in particular, but is used in the general sense of word. In this case it means, 'you' as 'anyone' who takes it upon themselves to answer a question or assist in some manner.
P.S.
The IRC chat has been 'advertised' as a place to get help if you need it. Kinda like a tutor, is the way I took it. That's why some people go there. Perhaps one channel for 'help' and another for 'socializing' would be in order and have them 'advertised' as such. Just a thought. However, I'm still gonna ask 'you' questions anytime I need to. But no one has to answer.
|
.
DSL Market ,
Great VPS hosting provided by Tektonic
