[H-GEN] A Call for Peace

[Raymond Smith]

[ Humbug *General* list - semi-serious discussions about Humbug and     ]
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All:

Over the past few weeks we have seen a number of promising threads
degenerate into flames. I believe that what has been missing from some
posts over the last few weeks is the application of the golden rule of net
discussion, "Do not give offence, Do not take offence".

The problem with this dictum is knowing what will and will not cause
offence. This is made more difficult by the changing demographics of
our club. In recent discussions I feel that (please self categorise):

- those of us for whom the Unix Philosophy is the Right Way need to cut
  slack for those who do not know that philosophical camps are even
  possible in computing. 80 column boundaries and plain text restrictions
  make little sense to someone brought up on WYSIWG.

- those who do not know what the Unix Philosophy is need to respect that
  they are entering a world where people do care passionately about text
  editors, 80 column boundaries, et al because these passions are grounded
  in philosophy.

Therefore, do not email html/long-line emails to the list and do not flame
people who do so. Feel free to educate people -- but do so politely and
explain that it is the expected behaviour on the list.

I would like to discuss more but I am too tired right now[1]. When I have
some time I look forward to vigorous discussions of Linux, Unix on these
lists; but I hope I won't have to talk about how people should be nice to
people.

Shalom,

Raymond
[1] Flight QF652 depart PER arrive BNE 0530 sucks. Do not travel on this
    flight.


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