[Ilugc] How to make ILUGC list user friendly?
- From: knura9@xxxxxxxxx (Arun Khan)
- Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:45:07 +0530
On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 11:37 AM, Asokan Pichai <pasokan at gmail.com> wrote:
................
2. It appears that many newcomers `will' not know some
? ?things that all seasoned users take for granted:
? ?eg: top posting, asking poorly framed questions,
? ?all caps ....
They are supposed to read the list guidelines. The welcome message
has links to the relevant guidelines. This is not rocket science
where we are dealing with multi dimensional equations. Noobs can ask
for clarification regarding the guidelines itself. The best way to
learn about participation is to lurk and understand how other members
are posting; correlate it to the guidelines.
It appears they do not read the guidelines and the learn from others'
posts; when they have a query they shoot off questions that have not
been well thought out. I have experienced this via personal emails
to me "I am a noob, interested in Linux. I am experiencing problem
with blah blah. I expect you give me step-by-step instructions (read
spoon feed me)" Sorry it ain't gonna happen.
3. Many people believe that such newcomers should be
? ?educated and that they are actually being scared
? ?away by the type of answers that are given
You want to learn the fundamentals? Develop a thick skin if that is
indeed your objective. Most of the "seasoned" individuals have gone
through this path when they first dealt with mailing/IRC culture.
Initially, yes your face turns red but when you look at the greater
good that you achieved for yourself, it is a negligible price to pay.
Otherwise please look for a "Tutorial Classes" type place - pay money
and probably learn a little bit (if at all).
................
5. Many people (often those that do not answer queries)
? ?are going on record questioning the style of such answers
and reduce the S/N ratio :) The entire thread then deviates into 2^n
discussion :D The OP is wondering what the hell happened here?
6. The defenders of newcomers are almost taking the view that
? ?we can educate the newcomers ONLY after answering the
? ?questions.
It is like giving candy to a child to make him/her stop crying. As
soon as the candy is gone the crying starts all over again.
7. ?I almost 'hear' an undertone of "If you try to educate them
? ? any other way they will be lost to the community
So be it. Help those who are willing to help themselves. IMO, spoon
feeding is the worst kind of help. Read the RTFMs, do some
homework, post the detail of the problem you are facing (to the best
of your ability) and members will chip in with answers and/or guidance
on what to do next.
8. The seasoned users opine that in order to be a member
? ?of any group one has to first understand the rules of
? ?that group. Else the group will first ask you to do that
? ?before responding to your needs.
Isn't this true for any activity? I have seen kids make rules and
agree to them when they play "street" cricket. When anyone broke the
rules they are not that friendly with offender ;) Why expect anything
different here?
IMO, the list is to discuss technical issues related to Linux and FOSS
applications. I am a member of many lists but this is the only list
where "user friendliness" issue pops up every few weeks (IIRC)
................
But do not start send mails whose only purpose is criticizing and educating
those who answer.
I second this - no point in reducing the S/N ratio of the discussion.
--
Arun Khan
A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing in e-mail?
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