RE: [cobalt-users] List Impropriety? (was: NUMBER OF INDEX' TUPLE S (574) IS NOT THE SAME AS HEAP)

[Graeme Fowler <graeme.fowler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rik Thomas wrote:

> Most, if not all of us are here to make money.  Some folks on 
> this list are more than just folks that host sites on a cobalt
> box.  We have been working with various unices amongst other
> operating systems.

I wouldn't say most of us are "here to make money". We're here (on this
list) to either keep an eye on userland developments, keep up-to-date with
emerging problems and their solutions or pop up from time to time to offer
assistance to those who need it, often in a hurry. That's why Cobalt always
refer(red) to this list as a "community"...

> Our time is valuable and if we see or believe someone needs
> help that goes beyond the scope of the list services can be
> offered, but imho it should be done OFF list.

Agreed. In this case it was done off list (and before anyone points an
accusatory finger, it wasn't me) and was described as such. However there
are occasions where certain members of this mailing list have gone way, way
beyond what might be seen as "the scope of the list" in public and have
consequently given detailed and very useful information to a large number of
people. I for one appreciate the candour of the poster in cases like that.
I do however take issue with the "Our time is valuable" statement: yes, it
is, but if it's that valuable why the hell are you posting here in the first
place? Get back to work!

> It really irritates me certain people on this list that
> constantly offer or mention their services in their posts.

Why? Should we all drop our .sigs and use free email addresses so that we
totally obfuscate our origins? Surely it's reassuring for a lot of people to
see that they are either in the same boat as others, or know who they can
turn to if they need assistance of a specific kind. Abject advertising
shouldn't be done, sure, but I don't see why "I can do that for you; we do
it all the time" or "my company does this so I can help" should be got rid
of.

> I hate to say it, but don't post to the list then.  Folks are 
> here to help as much as possible and this list is better than
> most for this type of problem.  But if you asking a question
> that goes beyond the basics, expect to be contacted to be helped
> for a fee.

Now we have a difference of opinion. Like I said, some list members will
(given enough time) post detailed and accurate instructions for solving
convoluted and complex problems and *never* expect anything in return. I've
helped out a few members of this list, privately, in precisely that way. I
guess it's because I've been on the receiving end of that type of assistance
myself in the past so I fully appreciate how good it can be.

> I don't think there is, but I think a policy can and should be
> decided upon.  I just don't know what it should be. :)

Well, here's a start:

This is the cobalt-users list. It's for users of Cobalt appliances to
discuss their use.
Abuse (including but not limited to flamewars, arguments, advertising and
spam) not permitted. Please stay on-topic.

Happiness all round ;-)

Graeme
-- 
Graeme Fowler
System Administrator
Host Europe Group PLC