tlug: Re: Updating the TLUG FAQ

[Joe Marchak <joem@example.com>]

John De Hoog wrote:

>> --Random emotional complaints about Linux, or any operating system or
>> software system, used to vent a person's frustration.

> This seems to be saying that people are not supposed to vent their
> frustration about problems with Linux. Yet Linux, and other computer
> platforms as well, can be intensely frustrating. What's wrong with
> emotion? Isn't the real intention here to stifle complaints about Linux?

Some general comments:

1)  We are now discussing the FAQ wording on the tlug-admin list.  Your
    input, as well as any other members, can be expressed on that list.

2)  The intent of the tlug main list (this list) is to exchange technical
    information about linux.  

3)  Non-technical comments about linux, or the linux community, are 
    important.  We will put a new list "tlug-advocacy" on the server by
    the end of this month for that purpose.  How the lists will be
    focussed is being discussed on the tlug-admin list, and everyone's 
    input is welcomed.

Some comments about this e-mail in particular:

> What's wrong with emotion?  Isn't the real intention here to stifle
> complaints about Linux?

Good complaints about linux are what make linux a strong operating system,
since good complaints lead to good solutions.  However, purely emotional
responses (rants and flames) are neither helpful nor pleasant, and people
should exercise restraint.  In particular, this list (the main list) is
the technical list, not a venue for emotional outburst. 

> ... But those who advocate such a position need to be prepared to defend
> it when others complain that it has so far failed to produce a platform
> that meets their needs. There's got to be a better way to deal with this
> than stifling honest criticism.

If the platform doesn't meet your needs, don't use it.  If it does, then
constructive criticism is appropriate.    

> I've spent time on a large Windows NT mailing list, where people vented
> frustration and voiced complaints about a lack of features all the time
> (many of the complaints were from Unix users expecting to find the same
> kinds of features in NT as they were used to; sound familiar?). Yet no
> one ever suggested that they stop, or that the list be split up into
> real NT devotees and the "others"

The philosophy of a list depends on it's environment.  In the NT list's
case, the environment is that of a group of users who have no access to
code, and therefore can only expect changes if they complain loudly.  In
the linux list's case, we ARE them, and have access to all of the tools
that allow us to change the problems that we find with the OS. 
Complaining loudly will only get the response "If you really don't like
it, then do something about it instead of complaining".  This is the
appropriate response. 

> Chris demonstrated that in spades when he walked out sulking after a
> couple of complaints were made about lack of software and inadequate
> documentation.

This remark is inappropriate and uncalled-for.  Chris neither walked out
(he is still an active member of Tlug) or "sulked".  His opinion is
different from yours, that's all.  

Chris chose to leave the main list due to it's recent shift in focus. 
The changes we make to the balance of the lists are intended to bring the
focus back into line on the main list.

-Joe.

________________________________________________________________________
JoeMarchak joem@example.com ph:03-5203-3925 fx:03-5203-3699  +813/-03
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