On Fri, Jun 4, 2010 at 9:43 AM, Patrick O'Callaghan <pocallaghan@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: [snip] > It's always tempting to propose radical solutions when some unusual > event occurs (see most responses to terrorist incidents for a real-world > parallel). I have to agree with this. Having used mailing lists, forums, Usenet, BBSs and other discussion tools for over two decades, I've seen exactly this. I've seen arguments start because one person's humor is lost on another. There was virtual dust up once when someone's random fortune cookie signature offended someone else who thought it was directed at him. Not much can be done about it.. Maybe we can get everyone together a room and duke it out or drink beer one day :).. [snip] > My advice is to leave well alone. What I would do however is make some > key aspects of the Guidelines a little more upfront when people > subscribe. I don't mean simply a pointer to the complete Guidelines, but > a *brief* list of the top points directly summarized in the confirmation > message. I know that's been tried on other lists... Not sure how many people read the subscribe confirmations though.. I think that lots of behaviour will just have to be tolerated.. In other places (paid support mostly), there's a standard checklist and FAQ. Often, users are sent to the FAQ or knowledge base even when the problem is not addressed there, but by always talking about the FAQ and knowledge base, it gains credence and does get better. I find it hilarious when responses get the "lmgtfy" link though :) The difference, IMHO, is that such a system works for paid support. On this list, we sort of expect at least a cursory attempt to solve problems before resorting to posting on the list. Many people don't do this and see the list as their personal IT help line. That does cause resentment that sometimes boils over into the comments. Add the fact that some folks are more thin-skinned than they should be on a global forum, and it's a wonder that stuff like this doesn't happen more often. :/ -- users mailing list users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://admin.fedoraproject.org/mailman/listinfo/users Guidelines: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Mailing_list_guidelines
