Feedback from an old-timer

[ravisunny2]

This forum has undoubtedly helped in the promotion of ubuntu (Linux), problem solving, guidance and information dissemination.

I am quite new to the forum, and am mindful of the fact that The Council can misconstrue my request.

After several days of browsing, it seems to me

1. There ought to be a new stickie with every new release of ubuntu. Pretty obviously, every new release has new features, sometime remarkably new features (and bugs).

2. The Moderator/Admin/Heavyweight that initiates and oversees a sticky, such as “Comprehensive Sound Problem Solutions Guide v0.5e , may for whatever reason, become less associated with the thread. The job of maintaining a thread such as this, can be overwhelming.

This results in an accumulation of unsolved problems, and subsequently a loss in faith and credibility.

Perhaps, The Council, can try to ensure a smooth change of baton.

My background in computing is as follows:
Machines Used :
- IBM 370, IBM 3081, IBM 1461, VM/CMS & BATCH
- VAX 11/750, VMS
- IBM Compatible Micro Computers, DOS, WINDOWS

I have been forced to work in DOS & MS Windows for the last 20 years. I am trying to come back to Unix (in the form of Linux), and am trying to initiate my two kids, aged 10 & 14 respectively, into the world of Linux.

I am well aware that a concerted effort is required on my part. However, I was mostly a user, not an administrator. So I do need some help in resolving admin related issues.

Ravindra K. Banthia
Jaipur, India

B. Tech., Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kgp, India
M.S., Engr. Mechanics, USA
M. S., Mathematics, USA

PS
I have made this post because when I sent an email to the Council, I got this reply
"The reason it is being held:

Post by non-member to a members-only list"

[kellemes]

So I do need some help in resolving admin related issues.

Please post the issues, or well.. or better yet, create a separate thread for each issue in one of the support forums.. this will enable us to help you the best we can.

[lisati]

Welcome to the forums. I, too, have used IBM 370 mainframes.
Please post the issues, or well.. or better yet, create a separate thread for each issue in one of the support forums.. this will enable us to help you the best we can.

I agree.

[coffeecat]

Feedback to an old-timer: :)

When you start a support thread, I suggest you use the forum default font (and size). You've chosen the smallest size with a seriffed font, which I don't find easy to read even on a good monitor - and I've got quite good eyesight. Some members have impaired eyesight and I would guess they would not be able to read your post with the font and size you have chosen.

But whatever font you choose, good luck with Ubuntu!

[Tamlynmac]

ravisunny2
There ought to be a new stickie with every new release of ubuntu.

Just for a point of reference, it's been my experience that few members even read the stickies. :shock:

I would't worry to much about background or titles, as I believe many forum members came from a Windows/DOS background. IMHO, more forum members concern themselves with placing emphasis on knowledge and experience as related to Ubuntu/Linux/FOSS. Especially, in the Help Sections.

Some like myself could care less what happens with Windows (been Ubuntu only for >3 years) and find investing time/energy in FOSS projects substantially more interesting and rewarding.

Good Luck with Ubuntu.

[lisati]

Just for a point of reference, it's been my experience that few members even read the stickies. :shock:
I think there's some merit in what you say here, some of the threads I've seen could have been a lot shorter if the OP had read them.

I would't worry to much about background or titles, as I believe many forum members came from a Windows/DOS background. IMHO, more forum members concern themselves with placing emphasis on knowledge and experience as related to Ubuntu/Linux/FOSS. Especially, in the Help Sections.

True. Like the OP, some of my background is with IBM mainframes, which is occasionally a hindrance rather than a help, due to the different way things were done. On more than one occasion I've had to cut an answer short, to prevent the answer being irrelevant or incomprehensible.

[Tamlynmac]

lisati
I think there's some merit in what you say here, some of the threads I've seen could have been a lot shorter if the OP had read them.

I think sometimes instruction/informational set writers loose sight of their original objective, in a attempt to provide detail and put forth knowledge. Over my lifetime, I've noticed that few people can actually write specific instructions sets that accomplish the goal, yet remain simplistic and condensed. I believe to often it becomes a novel instead of instructions/information. The alternative (providing to little information) is just as frustrating.

Thus, IMHO the stickies often are to lengthy or detailed. It's been my observation that If it doesn't directly impact the reader, the reader tends to disengage from the sticky and moves on. Perhaps, not realizing that further into the sticky resides information that they may find beneficial.

I always maintained that writing instruction/informational sets to the masses requires a unique talent. As translation and interpretation impacts one's ability to comprehend the writings of others.

With that in mind, I'm certain some may have viewed my previous post in this thread as aggressive (wasn't meant to be). However, after re-reading it, I realized that the OP was proud of their accomplishments and that I may have inadvertently offended them. Ahhh, the plague of written communications...#-o