Re: Sympatico ADSL on freebsd

From: John Eggert (finarfinjge_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 10/03/03 

Date: Fri, 03 Oct 2003 17:05:02 -0400

jpd wrote:

> In article <NW3fb.6126$op2.702796@news20.bellglobal.com>, John Eggert
> wrote:
>> jpd wrote:
> [snip]
>>
>> Why reinvent the wheel?
>
> What do you mean, reinvent the wheel?
>
> Basic troubleshooting technique[tm] is pretty much required knowledge
> for anyone wanting to run a Serious System[tm].
>

This and the rest of your response betrays an attitude that is confusing to
me. You want the OS and the help for the OS to remain unreachable to all
but the most learned of computer professionals. Indeed, most if not all of
your answers are only comprehensible to people who wouldn't need the
answers in the first place (i.e. functionally useless). What about the
large number of people who need a computer and OS that is reliable. They
don't need to administer anything other than their own machines. Generally
they don't administer anything because for them a computer is a tool. Not
something to work on, but something to work with. These people come here on
occasion for one off questions and are met with "get a computer degree and
then ask for help". Why. Why do they need this level of knowledge? Why
shouldn't we as the more knowledgeble show them the answers and possibly,
in the process, lead them to the greater understanding that can be found in
the man pages, handbook etc.? I realize that can take a bit more time, but
you certainly spend a lot of your time in vitriol. Why not refocus and
spend that time in education? You would certainly look less foolish as well
which can only be a good thing.

JE

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