For context I give you my background. I have been a member for over a year. I do not write perl for a living. It's maybe 10-20% of what I do. I used to code in 4gl for a living. I now can truthfully say that I code perl like a 4gl programmer. My code can be clumsy and unwieldy, but eventually works. I work with people who have much stronger skills, and I badger them a lot. I want my code to be as concise and coherent as theirs.

I found this definition of monk:

monk-A man who is a member of a brotherhood living in a monastery and devoted to a discipline prescribed by his order: a Carthusian monk; a Buddhist monk.

I have found the monks to have high standards. They are truly devoted to their discipline. I like that. I want my code to meet those standards. I'm willing to have my questions re-phrased and my code corrected as long as you are explaining why or giving me a clear path to that explanation. By showing me civility when you do this, you also show me your brotherhood.

I value your time and your help. For my part of the discipline, I commit to RTFM, thinking it through, and trial and error before I post. For your part, I ask a civil and thoughtful answer. I'm as devoted to the discipline as you are, but I've not seen everything you have. Help me see.

And now I must go meditate on perlref.... Dave

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