Excellent reasons why we should NOT respond RTFM. I understand why it
becomes easy to say that from time to time (after about the gazillionth
identical question answered on page 2 of the FM), but you're right, some
people learn better from doing. I know that I still learn better from
concrete examples, and watching someone do something, than reading
abstract documents and trying to put it into context (which may say
something about the quality of the FM's, but probably says more about the
flexibility of my FM).
One place to help is to be willing to help newbies. I've noticed that
it's often a lot easier for a just-beyond-newbie to answer the questions,
because they still remember why it stumped them. The experts are so good,
they've long since forgotten the why's and wherefore's, and just know how
to do it. That at least matches my teaching experience.
(note: I've had courses in AI, including one in expert systems where each
participant had to build an expert system - you'd be amazed at how many
experts literally have no clue as to how they do something, they just do
it. Of course, the computer has now clue how to "just do it" - and thus
interviewing the experts to drag out the knowledge is a skill unto it's
own).
jeff
"Dana S. Tellier" opined:
>Bill,
>
> I just wanted to say that from the point of view of someone who
>is STILL new to Linux, that the attitude you expressed is EXACTLY what
>everyone who supposedly espouses "the cause" should have. As a CS person
>myself here at UNH, I've fielded many a question about Linux, and I've
>always tried to be enthusiastic and optimistic, while still making sure
>that anyone interested knows that it IS a change, and that there is
>definitely some learning to be done.
> However, I've become increasingly concerned with exactly the sort
>of elitism that you spoke of. Although it's very easy to "RTFM!" doesn't
>it show a lot more intelligence and character to just answer someone's
>questions? I've found a lot of people in this world aren't self-motivated
>learners, and instead learn best through other people. Isn't that a GOOD
>thing that there are those who come to this list for help, recognizing the
>experience of this community?
> I still consider myself a Linux newbie, and I'd think that this
>sort of attitude should be its own standard... and not the
>exception. Also, if there's anything I can do to help out, or to help
>"spread the gospel", so to speak, I'd be more than willing.
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thought for the day: You have all eternity to be cautious in when you're
dead.
-- Lois Platford
>
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