New to Python

[Peter Hansen]

Jeremy Bowers wrote:
> On Wed, 22 Sep 2004 17:28:43 +0200, Erik Heneryd wrote:
>>I can't help to crack a smile every time I see that URL.  I doubt it 
>>ever helped anyone, 
> 
> I think you mis-understand who it is supposed to help. That link is not
> "Hey, this might help you, the poster.", it's "If you want any more help
> from us, the minimal standards of helping us help you is laid out in this
> document, as you've demonstrated you don't know. Further inquiries not
> meeting this standard will most likely be ignored." 
> 
> In other words, it is to help the helpers, by cleanly laying out the
> requirements, not really the asker. In that regard it works; since that
> link became popular I haven't seen a flamewar over the standards of asking
> for help. It has done exactly what it was supposed to do.

In addition, it's posted not only for the OP, who may well
ignore it as some do, but also for the benefit of others
who are lurking, possibly new but possibly not, and who
are about to post a question of their own.

You might also say it's for the benefit of many of the old-timers
who are here, providing the answers.  Any such who *haven't*
taken the time to read it, 10000 words or not, should do so
at the earliest opportunity.  It isn't perfect, but it could
well save you some time, embarrassment, or a public whipping.

-Peter