On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 12:54 PM, Shakthi Kannan<[email protected]> wrote: > > I would like to add that there are two types of documentation that one > should learn to work with: > > * HOWTOs: start from A, for example, and finish at B. So, if one wants > to accomplish B, one has to follow the HOWTO step-by-step, strictly. > Examples are tldp.org, blog posts. > > Newbies usually skip some steps in between, and get stuck somewhere > between A and B, and call for help. Learning to backtrack, and verify > that one has completed the mentioned steps in order is also essential > in learning to debug, or see where things have failed. Yes, debugging > is an art! > > * Manuals: One need not read a manual like a novel. It is only meant > for reference, and one can always refer a particular topic or section > within a manual. Examples are man, info pages. > > Both HOWTOs and manuals are useful in accomplishing a task, but, > knowing how to use them, as mentioned above, is essential.
You are right of course. There can be no doubt that references like dictionaries cannot be read. But I usually read things from top to bottom. I read several literature on spam while preparing for my Ilugc talk that I gave in IIT two years ago. I prepared for close to 8 months for that. I read everything I could read. And from top to bottom. Many people don't do that. They read bits and pieces here and there and want quick success. (Though I already had close to 8 years experience in those fields by then) That was not enough. I don't think there is any quick success in this world. Everything takes time. Learn Tamil in 30 days may be a good title and eye catchy but it is not at all practical. And by the way it is this training that got me started on to spam control. And today I have a product that I developed for more than two years. Everything takes time. We live in an era when knowledge forms the raw material out of which we cook using sheer dint of hard work, industry, advice from people and create dishes that taste good after several months and years of toil. -Girish -- Gayatri Hitech web: http://gayatri-hitech.com SpamCheetah Spam filter: http://spam-cheetah.com _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, email [email protected] with "unsubscribe <password> <address>" in the subject or body of the message. http://www.ae.iitm.ac.in/mailman/listinfo/ilugc
