On 4/15/21 5:22 PM, Wes Hardaker wrote:
Michael Thomas <mike@xxxxxxxx> writes:
Maybe one thing that could be done is to have a set of things that
newbies can do to participate that are likely to be taken very
favorably. What author doesn't like somebody who's gone through your
ID with a fine tooth comb for nits, bad grammar, unclear text, etc and
especially from fresh eyes from the perspective of a potential
implementer, for example. Everybody would win in that situation. Their
naivety is a huge benefit.
As a guide(s) I've (we've) mentioned this specific helpful task to
newcomers. However, reviewing documents is sort of "boring" task to
many I'm sure. What I've (we've?) failed to do is also state "and by
doing this your name will be put in the acknowledgements section", which
honestly might help motivate some. Maybe.
Yes, it's boring but it does need to get done. And it's exactly the kind
of thing that fresh eyes can provide. Far too many working groups are
completely blind as to how bad/underspecified their specs are. My
favorite whipping boy, STIR, is a prime example. When confronted with it
by multiple people, it got snarls and resentment. That is when then
wheels have truly come off. If you want newbies to feel welcome, that is
the exact wrong thing that should happen. But when you're first starting
out, an acknowledgement is definitely an incentive.
Mike
