Re: RANT: write-only mailing-lists ?

[Brian Kifiak <bk@rt.fm>]

> Why does seemingly every single individuhal that goes through
> there think that THEIR problem are completely unique, and that
> they needn't even BOTHER check the mailing-list archives for
> indications of the SAME problem ?

well that's not really accurate, unless you know how many people
have looked through the mailing-list archives before upgrading, seen
that others have had a problem, found the solution, gone about their
business, and been fine -- having never mentioned it on the lists.

however, i agree, there are enough people posting questions that are
in the archives.

> Why does seemingly every single individuhal think they have the
> technical skills to manage the update from 2.7 to 2.8 by hand,
> using source, instead of simply downloading the binary release and
> be done with it ?

arrogance and ego come to mind.  these individuals, are,
(unfortunately? ;-)) human.

on the topic, perhaps http://www.openbsd.org/mail.html could be
re-arranged so that

   * modify the "Do your homework before you post" sub-section so it
     doesn't imply that the suggestions given in said section apply
     only to installation questions.
   * links to the mailing list archives are closer to the top of the
     page.
   * there is mention of, and an anchor link to, the archived lists
     in the "Do your homework before you post" sub-section.
   * the USA archive seems to be down at the moment.  however, when
     it was up, i recall not liking the search function because (i
     believe, may be faulty memory) it was isolated to searching a
     specific list (ie. tech@ only).  to search more than one list
     you had to do multiple searches.  perhaps the canadian archive
     could be the first link? (it would make sense anyway,
     alphabetically or by the fact that OpenBSD has strong canadian
     ties.)

maybe it won't make a difference, but it wouldn't hurt.