Votes

[muzakfetch]

This is a tiny rant, and one that is sure to attract a down vote or two.

I was working with someone on a JAPH. Which apparently my particular compile of Perl didnt like. He asked me, "What version of Perl are you using?" To which I responded "5.6.0-PPC". This response recieved a downvote.

Now normally I do not complain, but this kind of behavior will discourage harmony and the true spirit of working together. Lets all try to help newbies, (especially me :-) ) get a grasp on perl and not downvote simple responses to someone elses question.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Brother Tyler aka muzakfetch

[footpad]

I think bbfu's on the right track, but imagine that updating the node in question would have been more appropriate, since it's not an un-editable root node. Some monks feel that to more appropriate when providing additional detail than posting new nodes that do not add much to the conversation.

FWIW, there are similar notes, ideas, and links on turnstep's home node.

Downvotes happen; learn from them and move on. Maybe someone was just being cranky; it's been known to happen from time to time.

--f

[muzakfetch]

thanks bbfu and footpad Like I said in the CB earlier, I feel much better about all of this. Now that I have ranted and whined :-)

Brother Tyler aka muzakfetch

[bbfu]

Well, it's just my impression but I think that for such a small reply, a /msg would've been more appropriate. I don't think that it's really necessary to take up an entire node for something as small as that. You probably should've included the version of Perl you were running in the orignal reply when you reported the bug.

I think that both the question ("What version of Perl...") and your reply would've been better off as private /msg's, perhaps with a reply noting the version of Perl that had the problem and why the problem was, after it'd all been figured out.

Then again, I don't really think it was a big enough deal to warrant a -- either... But I guess someone did. :-(

Just my thoughts. HTH.

bbfu
Seasons don't fear The Reaper.
Nor do the wind, the sun, and the rain.
We can be like they are.

[petral]

No real need to continue this three days later, so downvote me -- but
I completely disagree, the version is exactly the kind of technical information there should be more of (in cases like this where inconsistencies between versions are what is being discussed) . Of course, since it remained unresolved, it kinda doesn't matter.

p

[Dumu]

I know this is an ancient node, but in my opinion, that was a totally inappropriate reason for a downvote.

Downvotes should be reserved for behaviour or responses that contravene the spirit of the monastery. I know there isn't much guidance on this, and monks are free to vote any way they want, but that is what, in my opinion, downvotes are supposed to be used for.

There should never be any opprobrium attracted for using a particular version of Perl. All versions of Perl are Perl. The monastery is there to enable Perl programmers to solve problems and move Perl forward.

5.6 wasn't a very old version when this node was written, so it seems quite likely that the other monk was taking exception to you running Perl on a Mac. Again, this is totally inappropriate IMO.

One of Perl's many strengths is that it runs on almost every platform we can find to port it to. Many fine Perl hackers work long hours to keep this so and to port Perl to new platforms. Some people don't like Apple, but if you like Perl, you should like people using Perl on Apple platforms.

As it happens I do like Apple products and am writing this on a MacBook Pro. But I'm also OK with hearing people criticise Apple too. And I was actually given this MacBook by my brother in law. Before that, I was trying to get a version of Slackware working on an old Dell notebook. I am most at home on Debian, but I've always liked Macs too, my first machine of my own was a Bondi Blue iMac Rev A.

Some things Apple do annoy me. But I think they make decent computers and take great care to write usable software and craft great user experiences. This matters. Nowadays, (though not when this node was written), all Macs actually come with Perl installed, out of the box. I think this is A Good Thing.

While I'm on the topic, let's not forget that choice of platform is not always within a Monk's power to change. They might be using someone else's machine, or like me, one they were given when they couldn't afford to buy a computer of their own. They might be using a Mac because they work for an advertising agency or architecture firm who use nothing else. Or because they actually like Macs. If so that's their choice not yours.

And if you don't like the version number, remember that they might be using a particular version of Perl for other technical reasons that are beyond their control. They may be unable to upgrade for technical or organisational reasons. Notably, big Perl shop the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) were stuck on an old version of Perl for many years due to an unusual and rather bizarre contract with their IT outsourcer Siemens, after they (unwisely IMO, but there it is) got rid of their in-house technology group.

The BBC web programmers, who also had limited access to CPAN, got round this by writing their own web framework, which they dubbed "Perl on Rails". Thus, they responded to a grave limitation with beautiful innovation. (By the way, I have never worked for the Beeb: in fact, they've turned me down twice!)

Let's not be too eager with downvotes, fellow Monks. If you have something to say, try to respond with words! Save downvotes for something idiotic, against the code of conduct, or reprehensible.

Thank you.

[frozenwithjoy]

Totally agree. I was surprised by this response:

I think that both the question ("What version of Perl...") and your reply would've been better off as private /msg's, perhaps with a reply noting the version of Perl that had the problem and why the problem was, after it'd all been figured out.

Who cares if knowing which version of Perl was used would help other people solve the problem, don't want to waste those precious nodes! :P