Like some of the other replies, I like the idea, but I think it doesn't fit Perlmonks. I think the problem is that it doesn't fit the metaphor of a monastery, which is about contemplation, discussion, "enlightenment"; formal courses with testing and fees don't, imho, fit that very comfortably. Perlmonks doesn't have to hew to that, but that's part of the appeal of Perlmonks. However, there's no reason why there can't be another Perl learning community, with a different set of equally valid goals.

So I would like to suggest that if you want to go through with this, Perlmonks may be the wrong place for it. You should create with a new community with a new metaphor -- one that supplements but doesn't supplant Perlmonks.

And I've got just the thing. Monks and Nuns, I give you...

The Perl Scouts.

  1. Earn merit objects (Merit::Tie::Knots, Merit::Module::Craft, Merit::Net::Fishing) from your denmaster/abbot as /s?he/ leads you on code camping expeditions to remote wilderness areas of CPAN.
  2. Earn enough merit objects, and you become a Camel Scout.
  3. Raise money by selling boxes of CGI::Cookies.
  4. Parents will beam with pride when their children recite the Perl Scout's Credo: A Perl Scout is Lazy, Impatient, and Hubristic...

The possibilities are endless. Imagine after-school Perl Monger meetings in high schools (although s/\bbeer\b/root beer/i).

-- Frag.

In reply to Re: Should PerlMonks have official courses? by frag
in thread Should PerlMonks have official courses? by tilly

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