Re: the old fellowship program, was Wow, we're famous

[Michael Thomas <[e-mail]>]

On 4/15/21 5:22 PM, Wes Hardaker wrote:
> Michael Thomas <[e-mail]> 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