From: Trans <transfire@...>
Date: 2008-08-11T06:26:23+09:00
Subject: Re: An introduction, in about 50 lines of Ruby.



On Aug 10, 2:40 pm, James Britt <james.br...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Trans wrote:
>
> > On Aug 10, 1:49 am, James Britt <james.br...@gmail.com> 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.  :)

Perhaps you are right. I not so sure I'm the guy for the job, but you
may be right that times have changed enough now that a "3rd party"
could get another list rolling. Hell, maybe both a help/beginner and
tech/expert list.

T.