[aclug-L] Re: Freelance Technical Support

["Jonathan Hall" <flimzy@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> I agree--it is hard to find out what manuals or books are the best
> sources of knowledge to start reading.  That is why I object to the
> RTFM, some people are too lost, have too much to do, and so little time

Object to RTFM?  That's a pretty silly thing to say.

Not knowing what book to read and objecting to RTFM are *VERY* different
things.

When someone says "RTFM" they _generally_ mean, read the manual that came
with the application you're experiencing problems with.  For instance... the
GIMP manual, or the manual for your modem.

There are specific situations where whitch FM to R is not obvious.  "How do
I set up a network?" for example, doesn't have a single definative FM to
answer the question.  If you're using Linux the NET HOWTO is generally a
good starting point... but there are still broad questions that doesn't
answer.

IMO, saying "I object to RTFM" sounds very lazy.  I know it may not mean
that to you... but, especially where Linux is concerned, someone not willing
to do the legwork of RTFMing probably shouldn't be using Linux.  Maybe in
5-10 years you won't need to RTFM to use Linux effectively, but right now
you do.

Even with Windows, someone not willing to RTFM probably shouldn't be using
their computer.  Unless, of course, they're willing to pay someone else to
do the FMing for them.  Which comes back to our original discussion.

Either put up (with RTFMing) or put out (the cash for me to do it for you).

-- Jonathan

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