Date:	Tue, 31 Oct 2000 10:26:49 +0200 (IST)
From:	Eli Zaretskii <eliz AT is DOT elta DOT co DOT il>
X-Sender:	eliz AT is
To:	"Thomas J. Hruska" <shinelight AT crosswinds DOT net>
cc:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com
Subject:	Re: how do i install C
In-Reply-To:	<3.0.6.32.20001030172102.007a9d10@pop.crosswinds.net>
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On Mon, 30 Oct 2000, Thomas J. Hruska wrote:

> >Please do not promote proprietary compilers in this forum.
> 
> Sure, no problem...I'll tell all newbies that come into this forum that
> DJGPP and all gcc ports are the greatest things to ever happen to the
> world.

I didn't say you should tell that.  This forum is for discussing
DJGPP-related issues, not for promoting this or that compiler.

If you feel that someone should know about other packages, you can
always point them at the relevant forums, or write to them by private
email.

> IMHO, the people in this forum are very embittered, "hardcore"
> programmers who **HATE** those who are new to the programming realm.

I wonder whether you really believe in this enough to justify the
harsh tone.

If we hate newbies, why do we take time to answer their questions and
help them solve problems?  Why do we bother to write and maintain
FAQs, tutorials, HOWTOs, and make them available on-line for free?
Why do we work hard to make the package as usable and seamless for the
clueless?

It just doesn't make sense to do all that, out of sheer hatred.

> If the people of this forum were smart, they would allow some
> leniency and keep an open mind to the fact that helping "newbies"
> out is actually beneficial.

I think we do that already.  I think this forum keeps a mind that's as
open as it can get.  For example, we tolerate many FAQs being asked,
instead of ignoring or flaming those who ask them, even though they
should have read the FAQ list first.

> Sure I mention a proprietary compiler or two, but by helping them
> get started with something easy, they are MUCH more likely to come
> back and check out DJGPP when they are ready for cross-platform
> developing.

DJGPP is not for cross-platform development.  It is certainly meant to
be a first compiler of choice for newbies.  My impression is that many
newbies actually do use it as their first compiler, in particular
because the support they get in this forum is regarded as very good.

>  oh, I'm sure I'll get flamed for this

I don't think you will be flamed.  We usually don't like flames here.

But it would be a good idea (IMHO) to tone down a bit, especially if
you are not sure your reciipients really deserve the harsh words.

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