Re: [emacs-tangents] was - Exiting from mapc

[Joel Reicher]

Jean Louis <bugs@gnu.support> writes:

[...]

> The Emacs Lisp manual is meant for everyone, but if it could 
> solve all the issues people have with Emacs, then there wouldn't 
> be a need for the help email list where people ask for 
> assistance.
>
> The Emacs Lisp manual is written for everyone, but its writing 
> style is more suitable for advanced programmers.
>
> The Emacs Lisp Intro manual, on the other hand, is intended for 
> beginners. However, it does not cover every topic in detail.
>
> Teaching as an art means breaking down complex knowledge into 
> smaller, easier-to-understand parts. This makes it simpler for 
> the student to learn and grasp the concepts.
>
> Regardless of what you or I believe, there's usually a lot of 
> information available, either in manuals or online, where most 
> questions have already been answered. If I tell someone asking a 
> question that the answer is already available, it might make 
> them feel like I'm ignoring their question, which isn't the 
> intention. I'm on the mailing list to help and engage with 
> people, not to make them feel dismissed.

I anticipated you would say something like this, and I would 
request you be less sure of yourself.

There is a very large difference between saying the answer is 
already available, and pointing out where the answer is to be 
found.

Engagement is a two way street: the contributors to the manual 
have attempted to reduce the need for repetition on the mailing 
list and other forums, and this deserves respect.

Regards,

       - Joel