From: James Britt <james_b@...>
Date: 2006-02-20T02:56:42+09:00
Subject: Re: Don't let this happen to Ruby, pleeeeease?

Glenn Smith wrote:
> If I represent half of Ruby's users (other Windows users comfortably under
> the rock) then I'm not alone in my experiences.     

I don't think your experiences are representative of that large a group, 
but I also don't think the numbers matter all that much.

There *is*  a well-constructed (thanks, Curt!) Windows installer for 
Ruby, so the larger issue may be to make it easier to find.

The Ruby home page should have clearly marked links for source code, 
docs, pre-built binaries, "What's New", and so on.

That these things may be  lacking in one way or another is not a 
reflection of anyone's attitude (indeed, the great strides in Ruby 
availability and popularity suggest the overall attitude is quite good), 
but more a matter of time and resources.   It's not that anyone is 
indifferent or unaware, but just plain *busy*.  (And keep in mind that 
the opportunity to effect change is in the hands of everyone reading 
this post.  If you don't like the Ruby home page, and are dissatisfied 
with waiting for a new one, design one yourself.  Code talks, bullshit 
walks.  So to speak.)

Of course, community attitudes can change, and if the people on this 
list stop being embracing and helpful, and start belittling people for 
being less skilled, less experienced, or less informed, then Ruby *will* 
suffer.


-- 
James Britt

"Blanket statements are over-rated"