update learning-open-source.gmi

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lee2sman 2022-03-23 12:30:35 -04:00
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@ -28,7 +28,9 @@ Okay, so at this point, I don't really remember my first steps in finding out ab
On the one hand, it felt funny receiving that initial email from X asking for help, even if or especially if I had been the creator of the software. My hackles were something like: "how dare they try to reach out for help from the creator, the audacity!" But if you have no prior experience with open source software, how do you know the norms, culture or best way to get assistance? A lot of forums in open source software have aggressive or even hostile communication patterns for newbies. I don't blame someone reaching out to the person they thought created the software. Certainly, with commercial software, that's likely one of the steps a consumer might take.
I don't have a specific prescription here other than some general open questions.
This week I reached out to X saying I was following up to see how they've made out. They wrote me a nice note and told me they came across VLC and wrote their first little bash script to launch it and play some sound files. I wrote back and congratulated them on sticking with it and finding a solution.
I don't have a specific general prescription here other than some general open questions.
* What are more ways to help newcomers to open source software get help?
* how do we help beginners find out what's available?