Re: problems with learning lilypond

[Mark Polesky]

David Fedoruk wrote:
> ...

I agree with everything you've said. I used to hate LilyPond; now
I'm a developer... I've experienced some pull-your-hair-out
aggravating confusions, but I've stuck with it. Yes, it's a work-
in-progress. Yes, it comes with no warranty. But it can be
rewarding to be a part of something big. LilyPond is getting
better every day.

One of the ways it gets better is when frustrated users speak
clearly. I was initially surprised when some of my early
complaints were met with enthusiasm -- "how can we make it
better"? "what would you like to see"? I think the best thing you
can do is to tell us about your frustrations. Certainly try to
figure things out on your own first, and of course use a
diplomatic tone, but tell us what bugs you.

We all know that the documentation isn't perfect, but we're all so
busy with specifics that we don't have time to imagine what parts
might lead to confusion. The documentation is tweaked every day.

And if you're not sure how to ask the question, just do your best.
Sometimes users confuse slurs and ties, for example... But the
replies are usually gentle. If your question demonstrates a
misconeption, we'll try to clarify it.

And with regard to "telling an expert that he may be wrong about
something", just avoid using any tone. Insist on accuracy, from
yourself and others. Choosing your words carefully is a given.
Don't make any claims that you can't prove.

As a word of advice, I would recommend channeling your
frustrations into clearly-worded questions/suggestions. Then
everyone benefits.

- Mark