Why *not* answering a question in comp.lang.python because you think it is homework is BAD.
1) It may look like a homework problem to you but it probably isn't. See http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.python/msg/8ac6db43b09fdc92 2) When you publicly accuse someone of "cheating" (and even asking is tantamount to an accusation unless done very tactfully), especially without anything more than your "feelings" to back it up, you will likely anger the poster, contribute to an generally unpleasant atmosphere in the newsgroup, and intimidate other people who want to ask legitimate questions. 3) You are not responding only to the original poster; there are many other silent readers who are interested in the answer and whom you are depriving of knowledge by refusing to answer. 4) When you post a specific solution to a question, usually a number of other people will respond with alternate or better solutions. While perhaps overkill for the original poster who likely will be satisfied with any answer, such discussion greatly benefits other readers. 5) Although "working out" an answer oneself is the usual goal of homework problems, it is not the only way to learn. Often, when one is really stuck, one can learn what one is supposed to by seeing the fully worked out problem's answer. You, who don't know anything about the poster, are not in a position to decide for him/her what the best way of learning is. The poster is also free to ignore your answer if he/she chooses. 6) Please don't apply your abstract moral standards to the entire rest of the world, knowing nothing about the particular circumstances of the poster. 7) If the poster is determined to cheat, he/she will do so with or without your help. Your self-righteous stand will serve only to generate the above undesirable results without changing the poster's behavior. Of course, whether you choose to provide a specific answer to something you think is homework, or not, is ultimately a personal decision and you are free to follow your conscious. Just please don't demand that every other participant in this group adopt your personal standards. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
