Hi,

I know this is not a question, but as an anonymonk, I cannot post it anywhere else, so here goes.

I was the same guy who asked a question on "Re learning Perl". I even gave a small code snippet I wrote just to show how much I remember. This was pretty late in the night. I woke up half expecting someone to shoo me away at worst, or un answered post at best, because I was not sure how my question would be perceived. To my amazement and satisfaction, not a *single* sullen response!!!. The monks who responded genuinely wanted to guide. They suggested tips and books. Truly, there is no other forum like this. I've been here so many times, asked so many questions, but not even once, I repeat, not even once was I rudely sent back. I've seen much much worse forums, but there is something different here at the Monastery. Whenever someone asks me why I use Perl, I tell them 1) Because this is the only scripting language I know (and like) and 2) that they should visit PerlMonks. It's the most amazing place to come to ask questions and get genuine answers.

It's also here at PerlMonks that I learnt that it's ok if you do not remember syntax, you can look up the documentation, no one expects you to remember everything by heart. As long as you have the basic fundamentals clear, you can barge ahead, and then fill in the gaps. You monks may not believe it, but there are other places not so forgiving/understanding/helpful.

I hope the place stays as wonderful as it is right now. Thank you Monks.

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Why PerlMonks is an amazing place.
by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Mar 03, 2015 at 06:42 UTC

    Bravo! My only question: why stay anonymous?

    With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
    Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
    "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". I'm with torvalds on this
    In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. Agile (and TDD) debunked
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      My only question: why stay anonymous?
      While the OP may not themselves want to stay anonymous in the presence of good company, perhaps it can be other things as well? Like a bad/restricted work situation and they may not want to associate their name with that?

      To the OP:

      Nice, I have not been around on PM much but yes, I have seen monks around here to be generally nicer than folks in other technical forums. However, like all forums, we *do* have a few deviant negatives - nevertheless, the positives outweigh all our negatives. :-)

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        they may not want to associate their name with that?

        A handle doesn't need to be a name. (Just as well really otherwise this guy would have just cause to take his parents to court for crimes against humanity :)

        With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
        Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
        "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". I'm with torvalds on this
        In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. Agile (and TDD) debunked
[reply]
Re: Why PerlMonks is an amazing place.
by Anonymous Monk on Mar 03, 2015 at 07:50 UTC

    Revered Monks,

    Thanks for your comments. I stay anonymous because that ways, I don't end up adding points to my name. It's happened before, and I've ended up getting high scores which I frankly do not deserve.

    Incidentally, BrowserUK, you have been a person who has answered a lot of my questions, no matter I asked as an anonymonk or otherwise. And for that, I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm from India so I don't think we would ever end up meeting in person, but if it happens, I'd love to buy you some beer or whatever happens to be your favourite drink.

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Re: Why PerlMonks is an amazing place.
by mr_mischief (Monsignor) on Mar 04, 2015 at 21:42 UTC

    Generally if you ask politely you'll get a polite response here. Sometimes even if people ask not so politely they also get a polite response, but it's not as likely.

    It's good to remember when asking a question many people will see to respect the time of the people reading it. That means things like narrowing the question as much as is reasonable, noting what you've tried, and asking in a clear, understandable manner. Some people demand quick answers to broad, poorly worded questions and wonder why they don't get much help for free from strangers. Others, like yourself, ask questions others want to answer for you. Some of that has to do with how interesting the questions are and some with how politely and respectfully they are asked.

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Re: Why PerlMonks is an amazing place.
by Laurent_R (Canon) on Mar 04, 2015 at 22:38 UTC
    Thank you very much, dear brethren Anonymous Monk, for having taken the time to say these warm things.

    Prior to coming to the Monastery for the first time, I had read a couple of times here or there that the answers here could sometimes be harsh. So that when came to have a look, I watch for a little while before actually registering and posting. And I quickly found out that this reputation in some quarters was really not justified, and that the ambiance here was, and still is, quite fraternal. Of course, there might be some differences or even occasional quarrels, and people sometimes have their character, but the overall tone is really positive.

    This very good climate here may have to do with the Perl culture. As Larry says: "Be nice".

    Then, there is the very important point that this forum is incredibly useful. It is an unbelievable gathering of real world-class experts on Perl (I of course don't count myself among these top experts). Although I rarely ask questions here and much more often try to answer others' questions, I am learning new things almost daily by reading other monks' answers. Coming here regularly is really a good investment, do it if you can.

    Je suis Charlie.
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