Users and Groups

[Karl Larsen]

Jacques B. wrote:
> On Dec 8, 2007 8:22 AM, Karl Larsen <k5di at zianet.com> wrote:
>   
>> Ed Greshko wrote:
>>     
>>>> I can write a book. I have done so. It was like 30 years ago. Word
>>>> Perfect. But I have no idea how to write a Help on Fedora. Where would I
>>>> find this?
>>>>
>>>>         
>>> Go to http://docs.fedoraproject.org/ and proceed to the links in the "How to
>>> Contribute to Fedora" section.
>>>
>>>
>>>       
>>     I have gone there and joined the Documentation list. I am going to
>> try and get a GPL number but last time I tried it failed... :-)
>>
>>     Once I get going I will start writing to the Help for Users and Groups.
>>
>> Karl
>>     
>
> I'm stepping in the middle of this against my better judgment.  I'm
> sure you are a very intelligent individual with great knowledge in
> various areas including some aspects of Linux (vs the average user for
> example).  However you do not have a methodical approach to Linux
> issues (at least none that I can see from your postings).  You try
> something based on how you think it should work.  If it doesn't, it's
> a bug.  Short and sweet a bug is when an application does something
> that it was not meant to do and yields negative consequences as a
> result of it (whether a crash, erroneous calculation, losing or
> misplacing some data, whatever).  I'm sure there are better
> definitions out there.  But bottom line the lack of a help section is
> not a bug unless there is one built in but it cannot be displayed due
> to bad programming.
>
> You try something on your system and if it works, then it's good for
> mass distribution to others to replicate with no thoughts to potential
> pitfalls that could arise based on someone having a different
> configuration.  And without testing it any further from various
> different angles.  I've also written some documentation to be used on
> a course (not relating to Linux).  It was written after doing lots of
> testing to determine exactly how an application was behaving behind
> the scenes.  Doesn't mean it can't contain errors.  But at least every
> effort was made to ensure it does not through thorough testing.  I
> could see you try something once on your own system.  If it worked a
> certain way, then that would be how it would get documented ignoring
> that others might not have the same configuration as yours.  Plus
> documentation cannot be "do this, then this, then this, etc..." which
> is what we've seen from you in the past (I acknowledge that you were
> putting out guides in those instances which may not reflect how you'd
> write detailed documentation but I throw that out as a cautionary
> flag).
>
> I am a good driver.  I use my signal lights.  I keep a safe distance
> from cars in front of me.  I drive according to the road conditions.
> And  I can change the oil in my car, replace a flat tire, top up my
> windshield wash, and other such basic vehicle maintenance.  But I
> would not attempt to write documentation on any of those things.  A
> basic primer for the lay person maybe.  But documentation to me
> requires that the author has greater depth of knowledge on the subject
> even if they won't be going to that depth in the documentation.  That
> greater depth of knowledge is what helps them ensure that what is
> written is accurate for various circumstances rather than just their
> own.
>
> I have not see that depth of knowledge or such a methodical approach
> from you as it relates to Linux.  I can only speak of that in the
> context of what I've observed from you on this list so that
> observation was made within that context.  And you've demonstrated a
> number of times on this list that you are not very flexible or
> receptive to advice from others.  You've observed something specific
> on your system and you've formed an opinion on it which you don't
> easily sway from even when clearly more knowledgeable individuals
> attempt to nudge you in the right direction.
>
> As commendable as it is to want to contribute to Fedora documentation,
> I don't see it as your strength.  Unless I've misread you completely,
> you will likely save yourself and others grief and frustrations by
> finding another way to contribute to Fedora that better compliments
> your strengths in this area.  I don't seek to be mean spirited at all
> in my posting.  I think it would be mean spirited to feed you to the
> wolves (i.e. to a documentation team that would chew you up and spit
> you out) knowing the likely end result based on their knowledge of you
> as it pertains to Linux, documentation writing, and conflicts
> frequently arising between you and others.
>
> Jacques B.
>
>   
    Thank you for your confidence in my ability. If your right I will 
have a very brief stay as a Fedora Doc person.

 

-- 

	Karl F. Larsen, AKA K5DI
	Linux User
	#450462   http://counter.li.org.