From: James Britt Date: 2008-08-11T03:40:18+09:00 Subject: Re: An introduction, in about 50 lines of Ruby. Trans wrote: > > On Aug 10, 1:49 am, James Britt wrote: >> Backing from matz would be nice but hardly essential. "Community >> leaders" is an illusion; if you think there's a need for such a list, go >> lead. > > That's sorely wrong. For the Ruby community, knowing that matz stands > behind something makes a HUGE difference. Being able to add the list > to the ruby-lang.org website is essential --and is controlled by matz > and friends. Well, FWIW, *I* can edit ruby-lang.org (as can quite a few others), but point taken. I would not add a list to that site until it's demonstrated some traction, and that's a chicken/egg problem. But *many* things happen in the Ruby universe (lists, groups, conferences, publications) that, as best I can tell, do not go through any Approved By Matz process. Ruby would be dead were it not for people just going off and doing stuff. > > That's not to say an unofficial list is not be possible, it just would > be 100x harder to make effective --and for that, I doubt anyone really > has the time and energy for; and it certainly could not be me. I'm not > well liked by the community. In fact, the fact that *I* suggested it > pretty much guarantees that it will never happen. Ha ha! My devious > plan takes effect, Ruby will never have a beginner/expert list! ... > (just kidding) > You may be surprised. At the 2nd RubyConf there was some discussion on some topic or another (I can't recall) that involved the prospect of first polling community needs or support. And the general reaction was, that's completely wrong: code talks, bullshit walks. Basically, if you wait to get support or permission or approval you'll die of old age. Just do what you think needs doing, and see who picks up on it. Not *everyone* hates you (I'm pretty sure) and the idea of a beginners list comes up so regularly that it may get take off no matter who runs it. Even you. :) -- James Britt www.happycamperstudios.com - Wicked Cool Coding www.jamesbritt.com - Playing with Better Toys www.ruby-doc.org - Ruby Help & Documentation www.rubystuff.com - The Ruby Store for Ruby Stuff