[TriLUG] OT: Contemplations on tolerance...

[Jon Carnes]

We champions of Linux are a proud lot - for which we have good reason:
 - We are very self-reliant, and yet we foster and nurture a wonderful
community. 
 - We are mostly self-taught, and yet we selflessly teach others. 
 - We fearlessly journey into virtual worlds and never cease to pull
back the curtains to see how they really work (and if we can make them
better).

Our pride is a good thing, and it gives us strength to carry on in a
world filled with FUD. But our pride can also lead us to attack when we
feel threatened or insulted. That happened recently on this list, and I
am somewhat ashamed of our community's reactions.  So much so, that I
feel compelled to write this.

I'm probably way too sentimental, but I remember being a newbie and
being filled with the certainty (but not wisdom) that comes with the
first successes of Open Source. I blundered many times then, and a few
folks took me to task and slapped me into my place - those few are
faceless in my memories and I do not remember their names.  

There were others who I do remember. They were more patient with me. 
They treated me like the adult I would become.  They guided me with a
gentler voice - a voice that didn't bounce off my thick skull - or send
me away in a fit of anger. From them I learned the secrets of Open
Source and of Community.

The Triangle Linux Users Group is one of the finest Open Source
Communities in the world. For that reason folks as far away as Calgary
and even further have opted to join us. As our virtual community
continues to grow we will find new voices among us - voices that are new
to Open Source or at least not as seasoned as the ones currently found
in TriLUG.

Our challenge as a growing community will be to guide these new folks
with a calm and a reasoning voice. To guide them as each of us in his
turn has been lead. To lead them to reason, even when they are SHOUTING
and waving a red flag for all the world to see. 

Their misguided passion is simply that: misguided.  But it is a passion
they bring to our community, and once directed with a calm hand it will
grow into a passion for our community. 

Let us have more gently guiding voice from within TriLUG.

Jon Carnes