How Do I...?

[Tim Chase]

Victor Subervi wrote:
> On Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 3:03 PM, Tim Chase <python.list at tim.thechases.com>wrote:
>> Well, you start by reading a book on how to program.  You would then learn
>> that what you want (in all likelihood) is a dictionary/map structure for
>> dynamically created key/value pairs. Once you have progressed from your
>> current apprenticeship and achieved the rank of third-degree journeyman
>> programmer, the ways of dynamic variable creation will avail themselves.
> 
> Why the arrogance? Why talk down to me?

The aim was not arrogance, but expression of exasperation at your 
"using c.l.p to write my code and interpret my error messages" 
programming style that seems to indicate that you don't 
understand how to use tools like your editor, traceback messages, 
& google; or that you've not invested the time to learn 
programming concepts such as when to use dictionaries/maps, HTML, 
HTTP/server stuff, SMTP/email stuff, or research hosting provider 
information.

Let's take a tour back through some of your previous posts to the 
list to see why the exasperation:

Just in my readily-available offline archives, I count at least 4 
off-topic (non-Python) posts, three of which you KNEW were OT 
because you put "OT" in the subject[1].  The 4th[2] is just a 
google-search away.  Any basic HTML tutorial on using form 
elements would show you how to do this.  And on the topic of 
googling for answers you had questions about good mailers[3], a 
quick search for "python send mail" turns up a multitude of 
built-in and code-copyable solutions.

You don't seem to learn from previous answers[4] where the 
solution in the first response was "make sure you're not masking 
the built-in module with a same-named file in your project 
directory", only to have the same issue in the 2nd email.  While 
it's somewhat forgivable as I too have accidentally masked my 
ability to send email by having an "email" module in the local 
directory, I learned to google the traceback's core message 
"ImportError: No module named base64MIME" which gave me the answer.

You don't seem to read tracebacks[5].  When you do get tracebacks 
that you don't understand, many of your initial posts either post 
them in some funky line-numbered format[6] that makes them hard 
to read (though can be helpful, so this isn't as grievous)), or 
you simply omit the traceback completely[7].  Even if asked 
explicitly for them[8].  They contain valuable information.  Your 
omission of them frustrates anybody trying to help.  There's the 
omission of key information[9] or improperly hand-transcribing 
code instead of copy-and-pasting the actual code.

And that doesn't even touch on the issues of repeated top-posting 
which is just annoying.  Folks have been pretty lax, giving you 
subtle "changed to inline format to make it easier to follow", 
but you don't seem to pick up on the suggestion.  I'll make it 
explicit:  post replies inline for best results.

You'll find that comp.lang.python is a generally friendly place, 
but HELP US HELP YOU.  Try doing your own research first, reading 
error messages, giving us the tools we need to help you, and 
adhering to conventions like inline posting.

I'm glad if my underlying suggestion of using a dict helped you 
reach a solution, but would be far more glad if you'd take this 
message to heart -- not as an enumeration transgressions, but as 
a way you can better ingratiate yourself with the list.

-tkc


[1]
OT Virtual Server Host
(OT) Recommend FTP Client
(OT) Where Are Cookies Stored

[2] Workaround to Add values to TextArea

[3] A Good Mailer

[4]
Can't Find Module
Python Will Not Send Email!!

[5] Switching Databases

[6] Problem w/ smtplib

[7]
Calendar Problem
Calendar Stuff
...and others

[8] Switching Databases

[9]
Nested Dicts
Calendar Stuff