[Python-Dev] Re: How to lose potential users/developers

[Mark McEahern]

[Graham Guttocks]
> I don't know what to tell you. I made a mistake with how I phrased
> my original question, and the situation was made worse by people on
> this list making many unfounded assumptions. I was never allowed to
> recover.
>
> I think my post raised some interesting discussion, but it also created
> lots of animosity, which I apologize for. However, except for Tim and
> Barry, I think the Python developers who filled my mailbox with petty
> personal insults should be ashamed of themselves and how they chose to
> represent their project.
>
> Frankly, this whole ordeal has left me feeling nauseous, and I'd really
> like to see this cycle of hate just die now.

Graham,

I hope you're not soured on Python.  It takes character to admit to one's
mistakes--as you've done here.

Python is truly a beautiful language, IMHO.  It's a gift that keeps on
giving.  And the Python community, for the very most part, is quite
friendly.  Everyone has their buttons, though, eh?

I hope that you find a way to try again.  Python-Dev is a lot more serious
than comp.lang.python.  Understandably.  It's not surprising that you didn't
know what the atmosphere was like there before you posted.  (Heck, I don't
even know what it's **really** like; as I said, I mostly lurk.)  I'm not
excusing or defending anyone.  (That's not really my place.)  All I hope is
that you bring the best of yourself to the community, should you choose to
stay.  If you do that, we'll all be enriched.  Join us over on c.l.py.  I
think you'll find it a welcoming place.

Even if you had read the FAQs (I don't know whether you did or not; and I
don't particularly care), you might not have expected the treatment you got.
However, some of that nuance you only get by observing the list, observing
someone cross whatever invisible lines in the sand there are.

Well, anyway, have a good day.

Best,

// mark

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