[Tutor] My two cents worth re Python Newbies

[Arthur Watts]

Guys,

	I know that this post may attract the odd flame, but please read it
in its entirety before you begin your reply. 

	The majority of posts to the Tutor mailing lists are from people who
have tried to resolve a particular problem before resorting to the list.
Some, however, are simply 'noise'. I find the patient, thoughtful replies
given by the good souls on this list to be a real eye-opener, and I commend
you for your warmth and dedication when responding to newbie enquiries. My
own view is that the list should be for people who are able to :

	a. Read
	b. Use a Net search engine
	c. Navigate to www.python.org
	d. Use the skills detailed above to find other Python resources

	 If people still need to ask questions, then I'm willing to bet that
the answer will be something which enlightens the majority of the list
recipients. Python is growing at a phenomenal rate, but we need to keep the
'information <-> noise' ratio to a minimum, and a Tutor digest filled with
questions such as 'Is Python any good for CGI / GUI programming /
pre-schoolers ?' does neither the author nor the Python community any good.
This is all covered at python.org (OK, some thought may be required re the
pre-schoolers ..). As for the people who balatantly ask for someone to do
their Uni assignment for them, I think the moderators have been way too
polite / lenient ! 

	I realise that some may brand me elitist, but I am far from it : I
still have a lot to learn re. Python and other Open Source products. The key
is that I am prepared to actually cut some code or attempt to configure a
product before I fire off a posting re. a particular issue.  We need to
welcome thinking people to the Python community, and filter out those who
have a problem with RTFM. 

	I welcome any constructive criticism on this subject. I don't own
the list and I'm willing to accept the decision of other subscribers, be it
ever so painful :}

Regards,

Arthur

Arthur Watts
Software Engineer GBST Automation
Global Banking & Securities Transactions

Telephone + 61 7 3331 5555
mailto: arthur.watts@gbst.com
www.gbst.com