[H-GEN] A Call for Peace

[Robert Brockway]

[ Humbug *General* list - semi-serious discussions about Humbug and     ]
[ Unix-related topics. Posts from non-subscribed addresses will vanish. ]

On Mon, 22 Apr 2002, Raymond Smith wrote:

> [ Humbug *General* list - semi-serious discussions about Humbug and     ]
> [ Unix-related topics. Posts from non-subscribed addresses will vanish. ]
> 
> 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".

It is interesting: Over the past 6.5 years the Humbug lists have been
notable for rarely if ever having flame wars, etc.  I put this down to the
fact that alot of the people on the list know each other in real life
(there are probably other reasons also).  Anyway I hope this doesn't
change.

> - 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.

I've had a few bemused looks over the years when mentioning this to
certain people.  It just had never occured to them that an OS might be
designed persuant to a philosophy.  It's philsophy is it's strength [1]

[1] Or, that which does not kill me makes me stronger, or something like
that :)

> - 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.

And you haven't even mentioned the initiation ritual yet.  Any rumours
that it involves being stripped naked and forced to run from Mt Coot-tha
to the University carrying only a tower case are completely unfounded.
Completely.

In all seriousness I agree 100% with Ray.  Let's all try to give a little
slack.  The recent unsubscription from the lists of a long time Humbug
member was disappointing.

Peace be apon us and the Mideast, Insh'Allah.

> Shalom,

Salaam,
	Rob

-- Robert Brockway B.Sc. email: robert at timetraveller.org  ICQ: 104781119
   Linux counter project ID #16440 (http://counter.li.org)
   blake: up 102 days, 22:21,  2 users,  load average: 1.03, 1.02, 1.00
   "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens" -Baha'u'llah


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