I agree with the point of the article, that a programmer should have as many tools in their toolbox as possible, but I also don't see a problem with a discussion group being devoted to just people programming in perl.
Not every group has to be about enriching the toolbox, some of them can be about discussing and improving your use of a specific kind of screwdriver. People coming into that group to talk about how great hammers are should be shut down as it is off-topic. As soon as a group's admins stop enforcing on-topicness, that group is doomed.
Oh, you're absolutely right. Which I why I didn't say that there shouldn't be a group for programmers who use Perl. In fact I'm a part of many groups that fit that description (including one on Facebook).
My objection was to the name of the group. Language is powerful. And calling the group "Perl programmers" can possibly encourage some of the problems I talk about above. I'd prefer it if the group was called something like "Perl programming".
Ah, see I thought the talk of the group's title was a metaphor, and one I think works very well. But if it is an actual objection, then I have to disagree that tiny differences in suffixes are as powerful as you're suggesting. Perl Programmers vs Perl Programming is a distinction without any practical difference.
As someone who used to code mostly Perl, but now sadly doesn't I'd be interested in a group called "Perl Programming" but not "Perl Programmers" because that's not what I am anymore and it sounds like it would be of interest to those who mostly/completely code Perl
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
We're a place where coders share, stay up-to-date and grow their careers.
I agree with the point of the article, that a programmer should have as many tools in their toolbox as possible, but I also don't see a problem with a discussion group being devoted to just people programming in perl.
Not every group has to be about enriching the toolbox, some of them can be about discussing and improving your use of a specific kind of screwdriver. People coming into that group to talk about how great hammers are should be shut down as it is off-topic. As soon as a group's admins stop enforcing on-topicness, that group is doomed.
Oh, you're absolutely right. Which I why I didn't say that there shouldn't be a group for programmers who use Perl. In fact I'm a part of many groups that fit that description (including one on Facebook).
My objection was to the name of the group. Language is powerful. And calling the group "Perl programmers" can possibly encourage some of the problems I talk about above. I'd prefer it if the group was called something like "Perl programming".
Ah, see I thought the talk of the group's title was a metaphor, and one I think works very well. But if it is an actual objection, then I have to disagree that tiny differences in suffixes are as powerful as you're suggesting. Perl Programmers vs Perl Programming is a distinction without any practical difference.
As someone who used to code mostly Perl, but now sadly doesn't I'd be interested in a group called "Perl Programming" but not "Perl Programmers" because that's not what I am anymore and it sounds like it would be of interest to those who mostly/completely code Perl