How to appear like an arrogant buffoon.

Hmmmm. I actually read the article. Now, this is the LAST article I would ever think of referring to a person wanting to find out how to start using open source software. Sadly, Mr Raymond comes across as an arrogant, holier-than-thou, self appointed oracle, where unless you are as technically compentant as he is, he will either ignore you, or flame you to within an inch of your life, then ignore you.

I wondered, while reading his article, how he started to learn about computer software and programming? His first teachers much have had infinite patience.

While the essence of what he is trying to say is good, sadly, he is preaching to the choir - and like many preachers, too full of his own importance to understand how to present his message to those who need to hear it in a manner that they will find acceptable.

I would hope that those of us here show much more tolerance and understanding than Mr Raymond. I am reminded of an old joke - the new IBM sales rep is introduced to a new client:

Client: Well, one thing that I have found is IBM sales reps have a tendancy towards arrogance

IBM Rep: Arrogance? What would you know, you stupid little man.

Comment on How to appear like an arrogant buffoon.

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Re: How to appear like an arrogant buffoon. by Mungbeans (Pilgrim) on Sep 12, 2001 at 14:41 UTC
Really? Sounds to me like he is asking people to do some basic research first before asking questions, and to supply as much details as possible. This is perfectly reasonable. I may have got a different impression than you did, but I didn't see this as arrogant. Maybe exasperated, but bear in mind that ESR and other hackers don't get paid for answering questions - they're entitled to be pissed off when seekers are lazy (and waste their time as a result). Yes - he is preaching to the choir but this is still a good link to point newbies at. Especially ones who don't grok the culture. "The future will be better tomorrow." ... from the collected wisdom of George W Bush.	[reply]

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Re: How to appear like an arrogant buffoon.
by Mungbeans (Pilgrim) on Sep 12, 2001 at 14:41 UTC

Sounds to me like he is asking people to do some basic research first before asking questions, and to supply as much details as possible. This is perfectly reasonable.

I may have got a different impression than you did, but I didn't see this as arrogant. Maybe exasperated, but bear in mind that ESR and other hackers don't get paid for answering questions - they're entitled to be pissed off when seekers are lazy (and waste their time as a result).

Yes - he is preaching to the choir but this is still a good link to point newbies at. Especially ones who don't grok the culture.

"The future will be better tomorrow." ... from the collected wisdom of George W Bush.

[reply]