Thanks, turnstep, for mentioning this. This is an important reminder that the Monastery is designed to pursue certain ideals, ideals that may not be served by flame wars, knee-jerk reactions, or overly harsh responses in the name of troll-prevention.

I would add a few bullets to your list:

• If you see a question that you *know* has been answer previously. Consider posting a collection of links, along with a gentle nudge toward the FAQ (or Turnstep's home node).

• Evaluate such lists and see whether or not they are appropriate. If not, consider writing a tutorial. If you know such a tutorial is in the works, gently nudge the writer toward completing it. (Um, Ovid?)

• Remember that your words are public and will be viewed and reviewed over time. People perusing the historical record may not know (or care) about your angst in the moment. Leave your personal troubles outside the Monastery Gates.

• Remember the words of many grandmothers, maiden aunts, and other maternal behavioral correctors, "If you can't say anything nice..."

• Grudges are rarely productive; sniping less so. (And, yes, I'm also referring to comments that could conceiveably seen that way..."Out of context" is not a justification for rudeness.)

Remember, we're all at different points along the Perl Way and each traveller brings a different set of experiences and ideas.

Some may not have mastered the skills you consider trivial. On the other hand, they may also have things to teach you...but only if you're willing to listen, accept your limitations, and then move on.

Mistakes happen. Progress only occurs when we learn from them.

--f