RE: email etiquette (was Dynamic Arrays)

Hello Michael,

You wrote:
>FWIW, I didn't think Scott's post was either arrogant or out of line. A
>little abrupt, maybe, but nowhere near the most abrupt I've seen on
>this list (Simon, Al -- are you listening? :-).

I realise that is retorical but yes, I am listening.  I don't think Al
deserves to be included though.  I thought both Himanshu-san and Murali
were lucky that they were called to task by someone other than me.  I'd
give them cause for complaint!  Although I notice that neither of them
have complained -- others have been aggrieved on their behalf.  In both
cases, the way the questions were asked indicated that very little
research or effort had been expended on the part of the questioner.  Few
on this list appreciate the plethora of "show me how" questions that
have been appearing over the last few months from people who are
obviously out of their depth.

"newbies" (that is such an awful word) should watch and read for a while
to get a feel for the list.  The really good people who frequent this
list are not here to provide free education.  We will help you with
technical difficulties but we expect that you have at least read the
appropriate manuals, read the relevant help text, searched the archives,
and tried a few things for yourself before you bother us.  You should
phrase your questions in such a manner as to indicate what you've done
to help yourselves.  It is also reasonable for us to expect that you
have had some training to equip you for the job you are attempting --
many of the "show me" questions indicate a serious lack of training.  It
is not our job to help you compensate for management who won't train you
or help you do a task for which you are not qualified.

Tracy (and others), if you are offended by something I say or write then
that is your problem not mine.  I am not here to pander to your
sensibilities.  If you don't like what I say them just ignore it.  You
might not like how I say something but I guarantee you will learn from
it and by God you'll know where I stand (and I'll bet someone, somewhere
will be offended by that reference to a non-existent entity -- either
because they believe, or because they don't, or because they beleive in
something else.  See, I can't win without censoring my own words ...)

Now having added my spice this broth I shall withdraw and let other
cooks spoil it.

Regards,
Simon Coulter.
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