Hal Vaughan wrote: > > But I've learned, the hard way, NEVER file a bug report in a FOSS > project. I have several times and have yet to find one where the > developers were appreciative of the bug report. I'll go even farther: > In most cases they've been outright hostile and I've had times where > they've "told me off" to justify closing the bug.
My experience with Debian developers, though limited, has been quite positive. The first time I ever got to know about newsgroups was around eight or ten years ago. In those days, I frequented the linux newsgroups a lot. The attitude you describe above is quite popular over, especially with the gurus. In those 'gurus' view, anybody who does not know things that are "so obvious to them" is a worthless life draining away the planet's resources. I am sure the attitude still remains in many newsgroup users. There is no sense of social etiquette, no sense of politeness or being courteous -- in fact, many of those people believe these are unnecessary traits. They are right, but only if you wish to think like a machine ... which they try to because they are all so fond of science fiction that they think of it something bigger than life and actually want to get absorbed in it and perhaps imagine themselves to be a reincarnation of their favorite cyborg. Perhaps they are just not in good touch with humanity. Then I discovered Debian. People on this mailing list have been the most well behaved I have ever seen in the online world. They are knowledgeable, appropriately polite and courteous and well informed. It is always nice to read people views here. Things get rough sometimes, but that is within reasonable limits ... that is how the world is. And I haven't really looked back and seldom visit the newsgroups which are frequented by geeky extremists. Not to say that I don't believe you about your experience. I am sure there are developers who are full of air. But most probably, they are yet to grow up and learn how to interact with fellow human beings. I have filed some bugs in the past, and the response has been very positive. For all I know, it is the best support I have had. Though it required knowledge on the bug filer's part (I was asked for a patch once, I read up on how to do it and send it off). I would just like say that you should try to have confidence in debian developers a bit more. Please ignore the rotten apples and just try to enjoy the wonderful concept that Debian is. regards. -- Please reply to this list only. I read this list on its corresponding newsgroup on gmane.org. Replies sent to my email address are just filtered to a folder in my mailbox that gets periodically deleted without ever having been read. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
