Quote Originally Posted by Psibr
But even with #knoppix being a fairly good channel compared to the other linux related ones(try those sometime if you want to learn what linux/unix grade rudeness really is), it's still not quite to the point of being even close to the AOL tech support line level you are likely expecting it to be.
I was never interested in nor did I expect something like an AOL tech support for knoppix for free. I only expected basic politeness, ie not insulting someone for asking a question. Yes, IRC is not quite like that, but if no one ever objects to such behviour it will never change


Knoppix is just the start in the changing of the linux culture from hardcore no life dorklings who consider using any other editor than vi to be a hellworthy offense, to linux versions where you can boot from the CD and with fairly minimal levels of pain get a lot of hardware and software to run "easily".
All the more reason to raise objections to abusive behaviour.

The people who work on knoppix/linux/gpl stuff want to see a reward for their hard unselfish work by seeing people use their software and thereby promoting the freedoms of the gpl.

People who choose to gratuitiously insult people seeking help will prevent this by driving newcomers to knoppix/linux/the gpl away.

All it takes is for a few other people to raise objections to such behaviour to make it go away. I have seen it in other forums.


The ONLY way to build a more mainstream linux culture is for windows using type people to actually learn it and build their own support base. And so far, knoppix is about the easiest way to learn linux by actually using it. Maybe if they have a linux+ cert for dummies book out there that might help.
Windows was made for people who are computer users, not computer professionals or computer enthusiasts. GNU/Linux needs to win over these people...take them from the windows camp, in order to grow. Many of these people will never be interested in their operating system beyond simply using it. The way to build a mainstream linux culture is to let go of the idea that this a bad thing. It really isn't a bad thing. The internet/usenet is voluntary so anyone who does not want to answer or even read questions does not have to. For people like us the only thing left to do to build a mainstream linux community is to stand up when people are slammed for asking a question.