in reply to Re: Ruminations of an ex-PM monk
in thread Ruminations of an ex-PM monk

Not to nit, but:

more beginners decreasing the signal to noise ratio

This isn't quite correct; beginners have the potental to bring the signal-to-noise down, particularly if they don't use resources already available to them (such as Search, Super Search, the FAQs, and other resources). However, beginners that at least try to scan these resources and ask reasonable questions are the ones that help to maintain high signal-to-noise.

PM should continue to strive for the addition of more new perl programmers, as that is one aspect of this community that makes it great.

-----------------------------------------------------
Dr. Michael K. Neylon - mneylon-pm@masemware.com || "You've left the lens cap of your mind on again, Pinky" - The Brain
It's not what you know, but knowing how to find it if you don't know that's important

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Re: Re: Re: Ruminations of an ex-PM monk
by jj808 (Hermit) on Oct 15, 2001 at 17:17 UTC
    beginners have the potential to bring the signal-to noise down

    I think you've hit the nail on the head here - potential. However, have you noticed how many questions are asked (particuarly homework-related ones) by monks who only joined the Monastary a few seconds before?

    Maybe a way to increase the quality of PM would be to disallow novices from posting? This will mean new members would need to visit the Monastary reguarly for a couple of weeks before asking questions. Hopefully in this time they will have read the FAQs, tried Super Search and learned a bit about what PM is about, instead of joining and immediately posting "I need this URGENT!!!".

    Just my £0.02,

    JJ

[reply]
      The problem with the novice can't post thing is that if that were to happen we would just get the posts from the Anonymous Monk instead... The fact of the matter is there will always be people who are too lazy to really look for the info before asking someone to do it for them. Heck on some days i'm one of those that is too lazy..
[reply]
Re: Beginners
by michellem (Friar) on Oct 16, 2001 at 03:22 UTC
    I think that it's important to remember that everyone started out as a beginner, and that getting even firm but kind RTFM repsonses is helpful. I've been mostly the recipient of good advice and help, and hope soon to be able to give back in a substantive way.

    I actually like to think of myself as always a beginner. Keeps me humble. :-)

[reply]

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