I agree with Bill. I mean, I'm new to the list, but consider myself a
fairly seasoned Perl programmer on a number of platforms.
I think most people will agree that Perl is a really cool language, but
also a potentially dangerous one. It lends itself quite easily to what
is generally considered "bad habits", but also opens itself up to making
a lot of good habits easy to implement. Topics discussing these things
could help those about to step onto a dangerous path (many of which
could be on this list) could help make their experience better.
I equate a list on MacOS X and Perl to a couple groups (similar to a
previous post):
1. Mac users being exposed to Perl;
mostly newbie Perl programmers, and many are new programmers.
2. Seasoned Programmers/Perl programmers new on MacOS X.
In the case of #1, I can't see anything wrong with conversations that
address issues that they may not even know are something to think about.
Abstraction of content, logic and display is one such thing. Coding
standards, and related pitfalls/gotchas is another. Although these can
easily translate to a more general list, they are appropriate topics for
both #1 and #2. #1's can learn and ask questions about such things.
And #2's can have an intellectual discussion on high level topics.
The main thing we should all have in common is that we are all on Mac OS
X, and programming in Perl. Yeah, sure it could be taken to an extreme,
but I think most of what I've seen posted still falls within the realm
of interest to many of the #1's and #2's on this list.
Although I've been known to point out "O/T" and "FTFM" on more advanced
lists before, this one seems to stear towards beginner and advanced, so
I can't complain about that sort of thing. It belongs here (within
limits of course).
Just my $0.02...
-Alex
PS - and yes, I am aware of the humorous context of the terms "#1" and
"#2" being used together.
Bill Stephenson wrote:
>Geez, What a contrast of views. I was just thinking how very cool it was to
>see such a wonderful exchange on this list when I see this:
>
>>this list is becoming nearly useless if os x is supposed
>>to be its focus. <snip>
>>
>
>Funny thing is, this list was started as a result of similar negative
>responses to questions I'd asked on other perl list.
>
>The last question I asked here didn't even get a response, and yet I still
>love the banter. I've already learned things I'd hoped too and tons of stuff
>I've yet to use.
>
>The truth is, I will always be a beginner perl programmer. The language was
>already much larger than I have time to learn completely when it was in it's
>4th version (my first exposure).
>
>I don't care if someone ask how to tune their guitar using perl on a palm
>pilot here, but I can't help growling when I read one of those "take your
>stupid o/t question elsewhere" or "rtfm" answers to someone's plea for help
>and guidance.
>
>That's also the reason I started PerlHelp.com. (That, and I need all the
>help I can get ;)
>
>
>
