Ken (et al),
First, and foremost, why do you care what the script kiddies on #openbsd say
about your code? Seriously. Most of the people that loiter around on irc
channels are either extremely competent people who have gravy jobs and can
sit around and talk about all the cool stuff they've done. These are the 1
to 2 people on the channel that really know their stuff and then you have
the their throng of wanna be's soaking up the gospel from their cult hero or
two. You can try all you want but you aren't going to change them. In time
they'll begin to mature and begin the process of learning just how much they
don't know.
If that's not enough, you pick the openbsd channel where (not unlike that of
most openbsd users) opinions of "code quality" is about as anal rententive
as you'll find on the planet. I'm not in favor of Microsoft style code
quality but there is a point of dimishing returns. I ofter throw things
together "quick and dirty" because it doesn't matter if it's not done the
best way. When I write a script that I run one time, I spend 5 minutes
writing it (instead of 15) because it doesn't matter if it takes a minute to
execute versus 10 seconds.
You also need to remember that the overwhelming majority of people on IRC
are kids. Literally, a bunch of little computer weenies running around with
soggy ears and diapers. Not unlike most teenagers, they know everything and
are more than willing to tell you all about it. Let them ramble on. What
they say is almost assuredly out of ignorance and in time, they too will see
the folly in their ways.
If you want to measure the success of your project, ask people that use the
software. Talk to guys like me, I'll tell you all about it. I've build more
mail servers than there are script kiddies on that channel. I've used nearly
everything MTA, MDA, and MUA that exists. I'm sure that within your ranks,
I'm not the only very good, very smart, and highly clued systems
architect/engineer/administrator. Talk to us about code quality if you want
some productive feedback.
Vpopmail users have a vested interest in the code. Some of us appreciate
that it's open source. I've gone through quite a bit of effort to help
document it. Have you seen my FreeBSD + Qmail + Vpopmail HOWTO? Take a look
at it: http://matt.simerson.net/computing/qmail.toaster.shtml. Put a link to
it on the vpopmail page. It's an excellent HOWTO and I know several guys
have already built mail servers based on those instructions. That's a
testimony to code quality.
Even if it doesn't meet the yardstick of a bunch of script kiddies, the
software does the job it's intended it to do. When bugs creep out we post
them to the list. So far every issue I've had has been addressed. Granted
sometimes I have to wait a week or two but that's nothing compared to the
length of time I've waited for some other software companies to fix their
bugs. That testifies that at some levels, the open source project is
working.
Last, pulling the source code is the last thing you should ever do. Either
you release it or you don't. If you don't then you're pissing on us, your
users, and those that have contributed time to making the software better
without collecting a paycheck for doing so. You are punishing the wrong
people. We're on your team and deserve better treatment than that.
Matt
On Thu, 7 Dec 2000, Ken Jones wrote:
> I'm sorry.
>
> The source code will be put back on the site within the next
> 24 hours. I apologize for the temporary lack of availablilty.
>
> Unfortunatly, i was conversing with people on #efnet on the
> openbsd channel, and they insulted me deeply. I can not
> begin to describe how deeply I was offeneded. It was not
> one thing or another thing, just the small attitudes of
> a small group of people.
>
> I would suggested you joing irc.east.gblx.net and go to
> the #openbsd channel and say at least something.
>
> The code will be put back up on the site soon. Better
> than ever. We are dedicated to providing open source
> software to the internet.
>
> It's just, some times, I get really ticked off when
> stupid kids tell me how bad my code is. And I know
> they don't understand. Sorry.
>
> If you really want to make a difference, do something
> to change something. I'm put the source back up in the
> next few days. It just makes me sad. It will be available.
>
> If you really need it.. just email me and i"ll send you the
> latest version.
>
> Ken Jones
