Fallen Tech Blog

I was listening to my favourite web based audio show (The Linux Link Tech Show (tllts.org)) the other day, and they were interviewing Joe 'Zonker' Brockmeier, the editorial director for Linux.com (linux.com).

In the interview, Joe said something that got me thinking.

Follow up:

Mr Brockmeier said "The big challenges [of running Linux.com] are trying to make sure we are actually interesting people with what we publish and making sure that we publish something of quality. Which if you read the comments you sometimes wonder if you are doing that. You just have to remember, I think a lot of times that people are only motivated to comment when they are upset about something. Very few people take the time to leave a comment that says 'I read this, and it met my expectations. Thank you'".

This made me realise how little I myself gave credit to articles, websites and stories I read. I realised how many times I'd come across a REALLY good article and enjoyed reading it with glee. I would finish it and think how wonderful it would be if all articles were like that one. I may be impressed enough to tell others about how wonderful it was, but apart from that, NOTHING. No feedback, no comment, NOTHING.

Yet sure enough when confronted by an article that I thought was biased or inaccurate in some way, I would provide some feedback to the author, letting him/her know... how horrid I am.

While I do try to donate to free software that I use, I don't give anything back to the information I get from websites and articles even though they are arguably MORE important or valuable. I don't give them so much as an encouraging comment.

This really seems counter productive too, as without feedback, it's harder for writers to gauge their progress themselves. As Joe stated, this creates a challenge for sites like Linux.com because know one tells them when they've got it right.

This also reminded me of watching the special features DVD from the box set of Star Wars Episodes 4 - 6. There was an interview with the Sound Designer Ben Burtt (imdb.com). He was describing how he created the light sabre sound and how proud he was of it. He explained how when he presented it that nothing much was said and how that bothered and/or worried him. He explained that he later learned that when people say NOTHING, that's a sign they are perfectly happy with your work.

So, like me, think about this next time you read a good article, story, website or forum post and thank the people involved. Let them know when they are doing the right thing, a good job or providing valuable information. This of course can extend into all areas of ones life. Positive feedback! Don't be yet another “silent appreciator” like me.