I've been on this list long enough to watch the use level of users as well
as replies change in the last few months. It is to this issue I want to
comment.
The reason this list is so very successful is simple: Respect. Most of the
old Linux heads.like Civileme and Ramon and Chamouel have been at this for
a number of years. They have real jobs and a real life. They have nothing
to prove and do not need, or have, to respond to questions they've answered
fifty times previously, yet they do and graciously every day since I've been
on the list.
You say you are frustrated: Answers don't come fast enough; bugs aren't
fixed instantly; Java causes Netscape to crash; the install doesn't go well
and devices don't work. I wish I had your problems.
I'm a newbie too and I am just as determined to escape winblows as anyone
else on this list, but my problem is just a little different. An illness
left me with a memory loss that is less than enviable. So while some of you
are unhappy with the answers you get I'm delighted when I can remember what
linuxconf does. When I am actually able to get into root and perform a
simple function I am so happy I want to tell the world.
Respect is the reason I've gotten this far. The folks who have helped me
were just as considerate to me as they have been to you. They took the time
to write careful explanations that I could grasp and put into action; and
for that I will always be greatful.
I urge all of us to temper our frustrations with kindness to each other, for
if we do not we will have just one more list that no one can learn from and
the old heads will not come to our rescue. You may not need me but I need
you. Linux is not easy to learn under optimum condtions without a strong
computing background. Let's be patient with our shortcomings and with each
other.
To those who disagree I ask you to flame me privately. Mandrake rocks and so
does this list. I'm willing to work to keep it this way. Please join me.
Pj
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
