Flaming, Ripping and Forums, A Guide for Users Options

[Trinity]

Flaming, Ripping and Forums – By Trinity

There is one serious disease that is eating away at the online computing industry. I have had first hand experience with this disease in the mIRC scripting community. The problem is that people do not understand the open-source mentality, and this leads to animosity and ridiculous accusations.

One of the major problems is the concept of ‘ripping’ and the fact that half the community don’t understand what it is. Ripping is when you claim to have made something that you didn’t. Ripping IS NOT using someone else’s code or making a design similar to something someone else did. Ripping is a buzz word that people use in the wrong places and as soon as someone uses the word, all hell breaks loose.

I have seen many ‘newbies’ upset and destroyed by the fact that someone calls them a ripper, and suddenly the whole forum is attacking and abusing them. This stupid pack mentality plagues forums and communities across the web.

People need to look at the meaning of open-source, and realise that if they release their code to the public, that it is likely someone will edit it, read it or learn from it. If someone uses this code, or uses a part of the code and gives credit to you, this is not ripping. This is someone trying to learn. There is a major difference that some fools need to understand. Open-source means sharing your skill and knowledge for others to learn. Do not be surprised then when you post code, a screenshot or an idea, that someone does something similar. People are always looking for new ideas, projects and visual styles.

The absolute worst thing that people can do is kick up a fuss when a ‘newbie’ uses some of their code and either doesn’t give credit or copies large slabs of code straight out of your work. It is most likely that they do not understand coding etiquette, and that they have broken it. Do not flame them and scream out “ripper.” It doesn’t help, it is stupid, ego inflating behaviour. Explain to them what they have done wrong, and ask them to rectify the problem.

If you are a newbie, make sure that if you use someone else’s code or idea that you give credit to them, and if possible ask for their permission to do so. The best way to learn is to read someone else’s code, try and understand it, and then try and carry out the same function. This is not ripping, and don’t be put off by idiots that try and tell you it is.

Another thing that is eating away at decent forums, and is associated with the word ‘ripper’ is flaming. Flaming is abusing, attacking and publicly humiliating someone, mostly on a forum or board of some sort. Personal attacks, rascism, sexism and every other ism should be avoided when having an argument in a public place. Swearing is a tool of the unintelligent; don’t swear on forums, because the only respect you get will be from people who you don’t want it from. If you have a disagreement with someone, talk about it in private so you don’t embarrass yourself or the forum, and you don’t bring lots of other people into the fray. Flaming ruins decent forums, it is useless and boring. I have seen many boards ruined by idiotic fights and arguments.

For some reason, forum users seem to turn rabid and wild at the smell of blood. There is a large pack mentality that makes it very hard for new users to fit in. It is very discouraging for new users to be excluded, flamed or humiliated by senior members of a community. Everyone was new once, even you, and people need to remember this. People need to remember how hard it was for them, and the things they had to go through. Don’t assume people who are new know all the rules or understand the things you do. Don’t go out of your way to make things hard for them, in fact, go out of your way to help them. I don’t have any respect for anyone that flames, screams rippers or thinks that they are better than other people. Just because you have more experience than someone doesn’t give you the right to put them down or flame them. The open-source community is built on helping each other, not proving that you are better than someone else.

[Vercz]

...legend

[Trinity]

Wrote that one a while ago, just found it again

[Tibs]

Very to the point good job. I never really understood the whole ripping thing, i just looked at the code and made something diffirent cause I most likely hate the looks of other people's stuff but very nice explanation

[Tami]

Thank you for posting that article again, Trin

[Kobra]

Well put

[Guest_Carson_*]

Well written Trinity, look forward to more!!!