On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:31:50 +0000 Came this utterance formulated by AG to my mailbox:
> > We all began from zero, so being a newbie isn't the issue. I do sense > quite a distinction, and recognise it in myself, between wanting to > *use* a computer and wanting to *learn* a computer. To some extent > one should expect to have to learn how to use the expensive and > powerful bit of kit one has invested in, but when computers are sold > as consumer goods it seems to engender, at least through the common MS > hegemony, a kind of point-and-click attitude. > > In light of this, is there any mileage in reducing the list noise > through a /dev/null switch or for starting a branch for > *absolute*-n00bs? This is the branch for absolute newbies. More experienced users wishing info consult the documentation, perhaps the forums, the qa project or if they are really up with the play they approach the project concerned direct; IOW there are a lot more options for those in the know. > Losing more experienced users due to list noise is simply a result of > poor list management. Without more experienced users willing to share > that experience, no-one learns which is really antithetical to the FS > and OSS community ethos. > If you are after help... you need not be subscribed. If you are offering help those absolute newbies need it as much as anyone. > I have no idea about how to set or change list serv configs http://www.openoffice.org/mail_list.html Hidden in every list email headers: mailto:[email protected] [snip] > It just seems quite counter-productive to become a black hole for user > noise without any way of filtering out the genuine requests for help, > observations and contributions from the pleas of those who have been > subscribed wittingly or by direction to unsubscribe. A lot, perhaps most, of the noise is generated by list members. A lot of requests for help can look like noise in the first place. > This can surely not be a difficult issue to solve, and if it can't be > solved at the level of the list, then I'll probably have to experiment > with filters locally in IceDove (aka ThunderBird). More than this > however is the trend that, as you note, begins to chase away those > from whom we can each learn, and which makes any list worth its > onions. > Typically the most knowledgable in giving assistance lurk here or are contacted by others when they are needed. I am here to help the total noobs, and to sometimes try to formulate semi-lucid questions. I and others have either become accustomed to the way the list works or beleive it is a good compromise along with the forums allowing easy access to newbies. -- Michael All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well - Julian of Norwich 1342 - 1416 --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
