• (cs)

    Please do not post comments about the forums software here.

    It's beta-software ... what do you expect? I take full (blame) credit for jumping into it to early. I will upgarde it to a newer version ASAP. [;)]

    Thanks (from me, and from a number of anonymous visitors)

  • (cs)

    I like the reply to the Antenna post:

    "Antennae are hardware. C++ is software. You have an insurmountable problem
    with the fundamental nature of your toolset.

    But it might be possible..."

  • (unregistered)

    Hey big spender!

  • (unregistered)

    I would say that this is a typical example of the projects on these sites rather then something exceptional. 

  • (unregistered)

    Wow.  Just a simple website, the hardware should not be too bad.  I bet I can scrape up a PC that could run it for $279, but wait a minute, now I have to code the site and build the databases?  My family would go hungry on this contract.  WTF is this guy thinking?

  • (unregistered)
    1. Set up PHPhoo script: http://www.cable-modems.org/phpHoo/
    2. ???
    3. Profit!

    Sorry, couldn't resist. ;)
  • (unregistered)

    Yeah, I want software like Microsoft Word and Excel for $500 with a right to sell! LOL

  • (cs)

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">Why didn't he just use a Wiki? http://wiki.org/wiki.cgi?WhatIsWiki it sounds pretty much like what he wants IMO.</FONT>

  • (unregistered)

    Hey, what's with the *nux bashing?  I've been treated like a dick by as many Windows-users as Unix/Linux-users.  There are asshole fans of every platform.

  • (unregistered)

    What can we say? 'nux sux.

  • (unregistered) in reply to

    If you don't like it go back to slashdot, lol

  • (unregistered) in reply to
    :
    Hey, what's with the *nux bashing?  I've been treated like a dick by as many Windows-users as Unix/Linux-users.  There are asshole fans of every platform.
    Seems to me like he's only bashing a segment of  *nix users ("the RTFM crowd"). Just how I interpreted it.
  • (unregistered)

    What does RTFM stand for?

    Roll on The Floor Mulching?

  • (cs) in reply to

    STFW

  • (cs) in reply to

    :
    Hey, what's with the *nux bashing?  I've been treated like a dick by as many Windows-users as Unix/Linux-users.  There are asshole fans of every platform.

    You're right, there are. But this is a key cultural differnce between Windows and *nix. Wizards, context-sensitive help, lots of documentation are what us Windows uses expect. *nix folk prefer a man page. Same goes with community support

  • (unregistered)

    I have a confession to make. Sometimes when I am reading these posts I am completely confounded.

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">I have been programming for a good number of years, so I understand all the coding humor. But when some of these Linux gurus start posting their weird acronymns, I'm confused.</FONT>

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">Like RTFM. That's a weird Linux reference I'm sure...</FONT>

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">I just wish these Linux people would realize we don't all speak like them.</FONT>

  • (cs) in reply to

    Again, STFW. That's impolite geek speak for "Have you tried Googling that?"

  • (cs) in reply to
    :

    What does RTFM stand for?

    Roll on The Floor Mulching?

    Read The Fucking Manual.

  • (unregistered)

    STFW = Start Teaching yourselF you Wussie!

  • (unregistered) in reply to

    Ahhh, the acronymns! My brain!!! The ACRONYMNS!!!

  • (cs) in reply to

    RTFM = Read The F***ing Manual
    STFU = Shut The F** Up

    No idea what STFW is though...

    Anyway when I first started programming on the Windows platform I found it remarkable how many people didn't share their source code of the things they made and distributed for free. Under Linux I could almost always find a software (source) example somewhere to see how something or other was done.

    These days I can find sources for most things I want to do in Windows, but for some thing I want to do I still must use bulky 3rd party DLLs because there's no explanation to be found how to do the small part of the DLL I want to do.

    As for the RTFM clique, I confess I never met many of those. Maybe I just ask the right (intelligent) questions? [8-|]

    Drak

  • (cs) in reply to
    :

    I have a confession to make. Sometimes when I am reading these posts I am completely confounded.

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">I have been programming for a good number of years, so I understand all the coding humor. But when some of these Linux gurus start posting their weird acronymns, I'm confused.</FONT>

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">Like RTFM. That's a weird Linux reference I'm sure...</FONT>

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">I just wish these Linux people would realize we don't all speak like them.</FONT>

    RTFM isn't even a programmer acronym let alone a Linux one. It's more a computer operator acronym.

  • (cs) in reply to

    RTFM predates Linux by a decade at least. You did figure out that it means Read the F***ing Manual, didn't you?

    The antenna thing had me laughing.

  • (cs) in reply to Drak

    STFW is the neo-RTFM, an appropriate reply to a FAQ: Search The F****** Web

  • (unregistered)

    Acronymns make my head hurt. [li]

  • (unregistered) in reply to

    I have a perfect response for the guy who used the acronymn STFW.

    Why should we? If you know the answer then share it with the rest of us. Why make us search the web when we don't have to?

    We're too lazy to do that anyways.

  • (unregistered)
    I love this site.. which reminds me..I should really sign up for an account...
     
    I'm all about spreading knowledge and best-practices.
    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef"></FONT> 
    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef">Hell yeah! Knowledge is power but wisdom is knowing how to use it. And in this case.. using it is sharing it.</FONT>
  • (cs) in reply to

    Because redundant data is bad....

  • (cs) in reply to Stan Rogers

    Oh -- anyone who is willing to put in even a modicum of effort would know (or would be able to discover by initiating a search) that I am one of the chief contributors to the main user-to-user forums for my product specialty. I share information/wisdom at a rate that I daresay few if any of you can match, and I have disseminated a LOT code and examples for free, along with architectural advice, etc. However, people who are unwilling to put any effort into anything, particularly those who gather 'round the campfire to laugh at the incompetence of others, do not get a whole lot of help. (I realise that it takes a lot of energy to type four characters into a Google search field and click on a button, but c'mon, guys 'n' gals, you can do it if you try.)

  • (unregistered) in reply to Stan Rogers

    Stan Rogers:
    I realise that it takes a lot of energy to type four characters into a Google search field

    Which four characters I wonder...[:$]

  • (unregistered) in reply to Stan Rogers

    Stan Rogers:
    Oh -- anyone who is willing to put in even a modicum of effort would know (or would be able to discover by initiating a search) that I am one of the chief contributors to the main user-to-user forums for my product specialty. I share information/wisdom at a rate that I daresay few if any of you can match, and I have disseminated a LOT code and examples for free, along with architectural advice, etc. However, people who are unwilling to put any effort into anything, particularly those who gather 'round the campfire to laugh at the incompetence of others, do not get a whole lot of help. (I realise that it takes a lot of energy to type four characters into a Google search field and click on a button, but c'mon, guys 'n' gals, you can do it if you try.)

    i agree completely. how could any self respecting programmer worth their salt not have heard or been told RTFM at one point or another. Acronyms are part what we do and so is searching and reasearching their meaning! Its those unique, esoteric tidbits of information that seperates novices from the experienced. As mentioned, when I come across an acronym i am unfamiliar with, i google it. (You do know what "google it means, i hope.)

     

    The web is chock full of acronyms. anyone who is afraid of them should be prepared for a lifetime of FUD!

    enjoy! [;)]

  • (unregistered) in reply to

    FUD = Further Undermining Delinquency?

  • (unregistered)

    Some acronyms everyone should know:

    PEBCAK - problem exists between chair and keyboard

    UHCRT - user has cranial rectal transfixation

    PCMCIA - people can't memorize computer industry acronyms

    and finally, to reinforce many of the comments in this topic,

    JFGI - Just F***ing Google It!!

    - acronymous

  • (unregistered)

    How about SOTPIDBHMATU?

    SOTPIDBHMATU = Size Of Their _____ Is Determined By How Many Acronymns They Use

  • (unregistered) in reply to
    :

    How about SOTPIDBHMATU?

    SOTPIDBHMATU = Size Of Their _____ Is Determined By How Many Acronymns They Use

    I use lots of acronymns. heh-heh-heh

  • (cs) in reply to

    Everything up to this point was stupid, but that was just funny.  nice timing.

    In terms of the whole elitist attitude most developers get, it's really hard what it comes from.  Whether it be linux, bsd, windows development, I think it comes from the competitive nature of the profession.  A guy I used to work with once said "there is only one profession that's more competitive than programming, and that's professional sports."  He's fairly correct. 

    http://www.spotmonkey.net/mssupport/msmanual.htm by BigAl is still my most favored rtfm site. 

    ~KraGiE

    :

    How about SOTPIDBHMATU?

    SOTPIDBHMATU = Size Of Their _____ Is Determined By How Many Acronymns They Use

  • (unregistered)

    What gets me is there are plenty of portal/directory scripts out there and enough cheap web hosts that can run them. Of course he's never going to get someone to program new scripts with that budget.

    Maybe he should have done some more reasearch instead of putting himself up for us to laugh at.

    STFW --> DSFR: Do Some F****** Research

    BTW, I think we should start a thread with witty (and yes, mostly stupid and meaningless) acronyms for some of the stupid stuff we see in the tech world.

    Just a thought.

  • (cs)

    Certainly, it is unfair to make a blanket statement about the entire *nix crowd.  However, I am straight out of college, and having been programming on the job for just over 6 months, I've already met plenty of asshole "RTFM" *nix people and countless pleasant windows people.  It's not hard to predict the opinions I might end up having.

    Also, computer/programming acronyms used for anything other than comedic reasons piss me off to no end.  You know why?  Because, for the most part, they aren't used to expedite communication as acronyms should be.  Rather, they are used purposely to impede it.  When someone asks you a stupid question and you respond "RTFM," not only are you holding back the information they requested, you're obscuring the instruction that tells them where to get that information (because honestly, how many people who ask stupid questions are going to know what "RTFM" means?  And if they knew how to "just STFW" they wouldn't be asking your unhelpful ass in the first place).  Congratulations, you've been an unhelpful dick, all so you could feel smug.  "Geek culture" be damned, you're just an ass.

    Note:  This isn't directed at anyone here in particular, just pricks in general.

  • (unregistered) in reply to UncleMidriff

    Thus the "polite" form of STFW: "Google is your friend."

    I do use "Google is your friend" and "read the help file" quite a bit, though I usually provide examples and explanations as well (mostly to head off another twenty posts in the same thread).  I also try to be a little more directed (ie. "look up xxx in the help file").

    Teach them how to find the answers, then maybe they'll stop posting silly questions.  Eventually they may even come back to the community as an answerer of other peoples' silly questions.  Everybody wins that way[:)]

  • (cs)

    "Unlike the Unix/Linux "RTFM" crowd, I'm all about spreading knowledge and best-practices. "

    This site is the Daily WTF... thats not nix bashing is is profound sarcasm.

    My favorite part : "A space across the top of the page to insert my own logo. "

    Web Matrix will do it all for free, allowing him to buy a couple hours of consulting services for his measly two-fifty.

     

     

  • (unregistered)

    http://acronymfinder.com/

    Even better - go get the Acronym Finder search plugin for Firefox...

    HTH.  HAND.

  • (cs) in reply to Stan Rogers

    Stan Rogers:
    However, people who are unwilling to put any effort into anything, particularly those who gather 'round the campfire to laugh at the incompetence of others, do not get a whole lot of help. (I realise that it takes a lot of energy to type four characters into a Google search field and click on a button, but c'mon, guys 'n' gals, you can do it if you try.)

    Quite a few of the programmers I know have this effort problem. They will just blindly copy code into their projects, because 'It's better stolen right than created wrong' (Blurgh, sounds bad in english). Then they end up not knowing what their software is actually doing, and when it breaks they don't have a clue.

    Personally, I always want to figure out how things like functions work, and I'm willing to share these insights with others, as long as they first take the trouble to read my code (with comments, if I'm not making it purely for myself), and then ask me about the parts they didn't understand. I have no patience with people saying: 'Just tell me how it works', because they will have forgotten any explanation by the next morning.

    Drak 

  • (unregistered)
  • (unregistered)

    I frequent a programming board. It is sickening how many FAQs get asked because people do not spend the thirty seconds to distill their question into a few relevant keywords and search the previous posts. Every week brings the same type posts, such as DLL heap problems, what is a virtual function, etc etc.

    I'm not willing to help people who won't help themselves. And part of helping yourself means searching MSDN, Google, Google Groups, and previous posts of the board before you fire off a new question.

  • (unregistered)

    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #efefef"></FONT> 

    <QUOTE>I am willing to pay up to £100-150 (~$186~$279), maybe a bit more.</QUOTE>

    This is the reason why I gave up writing applications in PHP.  Everyone wants powerful functionality at an cheap price.  Also some programmers on these freelance sites are horrible business people.  They basically give their services away.

  • (cs)

    http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html 

    I believe this encapsulates the whole idea of how hackers (coders, mind you) think about questions.  Stan Rogers would fall into this category.  Very good read BTW.

  • (cs)

    In addition to www.AcronymFinder.com (already mentioned) there is http://www.webopedia.com/ for techie related terms and acronyms.

    RTFM - For a large percentage of questions asked on various developer community sites, the answer could be found by typing the question into the relevant product help file (e.g., "What is a Class?" or "How do you join two database tables?").  People on these sites are generally very helpful but they do expect a bare minimum of effort from the question poser and, quite rightly, get a bit annoyed when people don't make this effort.

  • (cs) in reply to Robz

    Yep -- that document is right on target (and is linked to in the IBM/Lotus forum use and etiquette pages). And, as the authors state, many of us ("us" being the visible participants in such fora) will go way the h*** out of our way to provide huge amounts of help to people who look/sound like they'll actually take what we say and run with it. On the other hand, someone who posts 1500 lines of LS/Basic with the subject line "URGENT!!!!! Object Variable not set!!! Why???????" without using Option Explicit OR the debugger first is likely to get "Use the debugger" (Instructions for turning on and using the debugger are often included) as answer number one, then a bit of an earful in reply to the inevitable repost. (Same as above, but with "2ND POST!!!! NO ANSWER YET!!!!!!" appended to the subject line.)

    As for the direct mailing -- it sounds like a good idea to the uninitiated, but I've had weeks when questions mailed to me instead of posted to the fora actually outnumbered spam. I am not averse to tackling an interesting problem, mostly because I learn more dealing with problems I haven't encountered myself than I can from the problems that arise from my projects alone, but far too often I get a request that sounds like the spec in the main topic except for the price offered -- nothing. Not even thanks.

    However -- one of my assumptions when I visited here for the first time is that this site would be a magnet for people who would have a working knowledge of "RTFM", "STFW", "PEBKAC" and so forth, and my original "STFW" reply was intended to be a tongue-in-cheek reply to what I thought was a sarcastic question. It literally did not occur to me that someone in this forum would never have run across "RTFM" before.

  • (cs)

    ... and so it begins. Does the forum software support IP exclusion?

  • (unregistered) in reply to Stan Rogers

    It might.

    Check under your c:\inetweb directory... thats where your internet is located.   It might be under start->programs as well.  Actually I think it could be in the control panel.  Maybe if you run windows update then reboot that'll work?  

    Good luck,
    -Bryan

Leave a comment on “Like Yahoo!, only Cheaper”

Log In or post as a guest

Replying to comment #:

Log Out

« Return to Article