[Haskell-cafe] Homework wiki page (was Re: How can I represent 4x4 map in haskell)

[Chris Smith]

This is a little off-topic, but perhaps we can have some discussion of 
that Wiki page?

The Haskell community has a reputation of being helpful and welcoming to 
newcomers.  I'm having a hard time reconciling that with this wiki page.  
In particular.

1. The tone is generally threatening, as in: if you step over the line, 
you could be reported for cheating, so don't ask for too much help.

2. There's a general RTFM attitude.

3. There's a link to Eric Raymond's insulting article at the end, which 
goes on to inform people that we don't care about them, we are only here 
for our personal daily fix of mental challenge, and if they can't meet 
that then they've got no business wasting our time.

Let me be clear: I am not arguing that we should do people's homework for 
them.  But I am arguing for changing the tone of the response.  I'd have 
been rather put off if that wiki page had been my first introduction to 
the Haskell community.

-- 
Chris Smith