How about this, then? Why not add page to your site that explains cargo-cult memes, a correct solution, and why it's correct. As you encounter people who are either victims of bad memes ("This doesn't work, why?"), or people propogating bad memes ("Your problem is this, here's how to fix it."), you can add these to your web page, with well-worded explanations that explain why the meme is bad, what the risks are, and the correct way to do it, and *why*. And perhaps, if you know the original source of the meme, a little history ("The original XYZ.pm module required this work around, later version do not, this is not longer required, and in fact, exposes this vulnerability").

Then, instead of whacking them between the eyes, and leaving many of them stunned, senseless, confused, and annoyed, you can link to your page, and specific article, and re-educate them (and perhaps gain XP, instead of losing it...)

The reality is this: Just because you say it loudly, or repeat it 4 times, doesn't necessarily mean it's right. If I don't know who merlyn is, you're just another user. And I'm not about to go to research on each and every person who gives me an answer to determine if suddenly they're someone who's opinion I should respect. Lots of people know who you are, but a lot more don't.

I imagine that the time you would spend writing each rant would be far less than inserting a link to a page that could be re-used each time. Heck, you might could even get your own section in FAQ, or something.

--Chris

e-mail jcwren

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