On Wed, 12 Jul 2000, Alexander Else wrote:
> You might have had to learn something.
>
> At 18:12 12/07/2000 +1000, Peter Nelson wrote:
> >I know this is very late in the conversation, but being newish to Linux and
> >Unix I would have been up sh1t street without RPM and GNORPM.
>
That is an unfair, unjust and unacceptable way to treat a new user and
to try and boost your own ego. Peter was making a point that RedHat and
RPMS's made it easier for him to start using Linux - this is Great as we
need as many people to start using the platform as possible.
RPM's do save time and provide a lot of benefits. (Note - I do not care to
get into a deb vs rpm debate, so don't bother). Remember the days before
package management systems ? upgrades were a nightmare - so most people
didn't bother.
Treating new users like this is the worst thing you can possibly do to the
Linux movement. I run one of the most mission critical linux based
businesses in the world (Standish group, 1999) and find it extremely
difficult to find people with the appropriate experience and skills in
Linux. Actually - I can't find people with *Any* experience with Linux,
and this is a major inhibitor to Linux making it into business. The only
web/e-comm developers available seem to be Java/NT.
You may be one of these people who resent the commercialism of Linux -
Wake Up. Oh - and don't install that copy of quake arena you just bought
,use Word Perfect or any other commercial software for that matter. Heck
- don't use anybody elses software, write your own cause your a *Real*
hacker aren't you ?
There are many roads for people to travel when using Linux and learning
about computers and operating systems. Different people have different
needs and will contribute in different ways. If you boo and hiss at
everybody who didn't do it your way, your gonna get lonely.
Finally - you don't know where the next Linus will come from, you may
have just insulted him. You also don't know which prospective employers
are on this list - and you may be surprised just who is on this list.
Give everybody a chance. You wouldn't like it if people treated you the
same way.
Apols to the list for this rant.
Cheers
Jason.
---
Jason Ball
Electronic Commerce Specialist
Corporate Express Australia Ltd
Phone: +61 2 9335 0374 Fax: +61 2 9335 0753
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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