Re: RTFM (was: CPYF behavior)

[Bob Larkin <blarkin@xxxxxx>]

Don,
IBM has indeed made some of the new information very difficult to access. 
However, most of the
manuals that Simon listed are available on the web, in PDF format. I have 
printed a few, and have
many more stored on the hard drive. I pay for the PC that they are on, I pay 
for the ISP service, I
pay for the line charges. I feel that to do a job, you must have the proper 
tools. Just like any
skilled trade, the craftsman is often responsible for his own tools.

I share in some of Simon's "frustration". Today there were 233 email messages 
in my inbox. The
majority were for the midrange-L list, which is a valuable resource. There were 
some messages that
were of questionable value, but might be valuable to others. The messages that 
really frustrate me
are the ones that read "Write me a program.... NOW". I enjoy discussing the 
AS/400 with my peers,
and also assisting those that are attempting to elevate temselves to a higher 
level. I do not wish
to contribute to people that are looking for handouts, electronic welfare so to 
speak.

But hey, we still like everyone on the list!!

Bob

>
> BUT, compliments of the great minds (LOTS of sarcasm here !) that have
> turned MANY of the SUPERIOR manuals that we all came to know and love from
> a fairly centralized resource (ie, ONE operators manual, etc!) into a
> fragmented smattering of html that at times redifines tedium to have to
> read.  Many (especially newbies) either don't have or don't know about the
> frizbee's (softcopy CD's), or have tried them and gotten really
> sick...and/or may not have access to manuals at work via the net because
> yes there are still ALOT of shops that don't have web access for
> nonessentials...and we all know that ONLY marketing and beancounters are
> considered essential...OH, personnel folks of course need to be added, but
> then they're "gods", at least in their own minds :)

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