Since Friday I have thought about what happened very carefully and decided that I will no longer participate in the group(for now).
My reasons have to do with the incredible difficulty that I have faced in trying to contribute to this group in any way that I have tried.
I've repeatedly asked how I can help on this list and in #pdx.rb since I joined the group back in May. I've never got a real response.
The responses I have received were just insulting and this was made worse by my suggestion to help others with finding Ruby work.
I don't have the time or patience to deal with getting flamed by fellow Rubyists when I try to help grow the group.
Before anyone flames me and tells me to go to the hackfest next weekend and contribute instead of complaining I'd like to tell you to stop prescribing EXACTLY how members should be able to contribute. In the information age having to show up at a hack fest physically and that being the only option to contribute is ridiculous. I'm glad that some good has come out of this, i.e. the site is fixed and is being rebuilt(even if it's a month later).
In spite of how much some may disagree with me please realize that I'm not the only one that feels this way, I am just the only member that has spoken out.
I know my advice will likely be ignored or ridiculed but please take the following into account:
- More than one member needs access to the web site so it can be changed if need be. Three is a good number.
- Make it easy for users to contribute and NEVER tell them you have more than enough help. It's offensive because it's just clearly never true.
- Those members with more responsibility should make the time to read the list/s and as much of it as they can.
- Don't flame members. If you have to flame them ask for clarification on what they may have been trying to say before doing so.
- If someone has authority in an area but does not have the time to take on the responsibilty, give the authority to someone else that does have the time.
- Include everyone. Letting members form an 'inner-circle' is an awful thing to let happen.
I will contribute my efforts back into the Ruby community elsewhere(for now) in ways that are more effective and appreciated.
I still hope that things turn around for the better with PDX.rb and I mean this in all sincerity.
Personally I have to check out for now and will hopefully be back at some point.
later...
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