New to Python

[Brian van den Broek]

Erik Heneryd said unto the world upon 2004-09-22 11:28:
> Delaney, Timothy C (Timothy) wrote:
> 
>> Jimmie Webb wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Gee whiz.  Don't jump down my throat for some oversite.  It's not
>>> like I haven't put forth an effort trying to find out the problem
>>> before posting! Yeah,  your right I was reading the "CREATE TABLE
>>> line out of the SIL file. Thanks (I think)
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>>
>> As far as anyone could see, you didn't do even the most basic debugging.
>>
>> Tim Delaney
> 
> 
> Haven't followed the thread, but...
> 
> I can't help to crack a smile every time I see that URL.  I doubt it 
> ever helped anyone, still it comes up now and then, typically when 
> people get tired of answering stupid questions from lazy newbies.
> 
> So, how likely is it that people too lazy to RTFM/STFW will even 
> consider some 10 000 word article (on *asking questions*, not whatever 
> their problem might be)?  Not very, I say.  Most will probably not even 
> get past the *table of contents*.  Funny thing is that people don't seem 
> to realize this - that's it's just another way to say "STFU and RTFM, 
> newbie".
> 
> 
> Erik

I understand the skepticism. I can tell you though that it certainly has 
helped me (and, probably more importantly, those on the lists where I 
ask questions). I'm not holding myself up as a model of putting the 
advice into practice, but I can assure you that the folks on the tutor 
list have a better time for my having read it :-)

Also, I'm pretty sure I have been able to tell those who were pointed to 
it, read it, and followed it in posting their next question. Seems to me 
that evidence of having taken a look might serve as a good filter for 
who can and cannot be "helped".

0.02$

Brian vdB