There really doesn't need to be another post on this discussion, but I
just cant help myself, please feel free to delete this email without
reading any further ...
Still here? okay then here goes.
Even from very early on in my journey to Linux enlightenment, (not too
long ago) I have always found the response RTFM very comical, most of
the time my response was to laugh and say - "heh, yeah, you caught me
out, I should have tried the man page but I was too lazy" or "wow, that
person is getting really annoyed because I am having problems, that's
really funny, they need to chill out".
I welcome RTFM when it is appropriate. If the answer is clearly
documented, then in my opinion, I deserve to be told not to be lazy or
to act defenceless. HOWEVER!!!!...........
I have not used RTFM on a mailing list or anywhere else, I have once
used RTM. Although I do not have any problem with RTFM, I realise many
people would, and as my intent is not to offend some one, I do not use
the term. It is obvious that there ARE people on this list that are
offended by the term, and whether half, a majority or all but a couple
of people are happy with the term, the fact remains that there are
people who will be offended.
SO ..
Rather than try and decide who is right and who is wrong on this issue,
why don't we just understand that opinions vary, and why don't we find a
term that essentially means the same thing, but does not have the
insulting effect? For example, use simply "You can find the answer if
you RTM, man grep" in the case of an obvious grep question. If needs be
have a definition of RTM somewhere on the SLUG website that can be
referred to for those unaware of RTM's meaning. If worded correctly,
people will understand RTM is meant to help them not insult them. The
day I learnt to find answers for myself, was the day I leapt forward in
knowledge.
Is that a fair assessment? Can we use RTM if done in a nice way so that
people can learn to learn?
For the record, I believe most newbies would feel rejected if told to
RTFM, mainly because a lot of the time newbies don't even know there IS
a manual, and I can assure you, most newbies feel that they are already
wasting your time, so reminding them of this point makes them feel even
more useless.
My 2c (and then some)
Tuxta
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