Re: I'd rather do it myself

[Gwecnal@xxxxxxx]

I think Hans' proposal about creating a user-supported library of routines is 
great and would benifit the community.  I believe that at least a couple of 
sites have offered to host the library.  However, I believe there are two 
barriers to this.  First, most RPG'rs with something to contribute are 
full-time paid programmers.  Unlike the student hackers that can spend 
hundreds of hours tweaking a Perl script for maximum coolness to impress 
their friends, we have work to do.  Every hour spent on something like that 
is an hour away from customers, job, family, etc.  To some degree, I believe 
this has a dampening effect on our contributions.  Second, what kind of 
routines are of general value to RPG'rs?  If you look at what is out there in 
open source land, it is printer drivers, graphics routines, and math 
libraries.  I don't need those things.  Do you?  People are always mentioning 
date validation and title centering.  Oh, Please!  One line of RPG/400 each!  
Why have a routine?  I need routines that validate inventory numbers and GL 
account numbers.  They are written, but of no use to the community. I am 
seriously interested and not sarcastic when I ask 'What kind of routines do 
you envision in this library?'  
Lance
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