From: Steven Arnold <stevena@...>
Date: 2012-04-26T03:17:38+09:00
Subject: Re: -BEGINNERS- Where do I Start?


On Apr 25, 2012, at 4:12 AM, Jan E. wrote:

> Josh Cheek wrote in post #1058231:
>> On Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 12:51 AM, Thought M. <lists@ruby-forum.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> Sorry, I just didn't think is was a big deal to ask a question about my response I received.
>>> 
>> Don't worry about it, some people don't remember what it's like to be
>> new.
> 
> No, this has nothing to do with being new. It's a matter of using the 
> right source for certain information.
> 
> [...]
> 
> I'd rather use the forum *after* having done some research on my own. 
> Then you actually get to the interesting points.

I have to say, I love newbies like Thought M who are very, VERY new to programming, but really want to learn.  And I also love the great people on lists such as this who help them out.  Without both of these people, there would be no Ruby community.

I agree with Jan as a matter of Netiquette and efficiency that one should do all possible research first before asking questions.  But as Josh points out, when you are brand new, you really have only the simplest idea of what questions to even ask (whether of Google or anywhere else).

I'm sure as our new community member develops as a programmer, more will be asked of him/her, especially in regards to doing some homework before posting.  In the meantime, Thought M, welcome aboard!  Glad to have you in the community.

steven