> I too have seen many posts from newbies asking
> the most trivial questions most of which would be answered with a quick
look
> at piclist.com or even at the .pdf file for the microcontroller.

This wasn't the case here.
The man demonstrated remarkable ability if he is indeed a beginner.
I suspect technophobia at certain levels.

> Olin seems to be one of these people who speaks his mind (sometimes
without
> thinking) and while it may come across as abrupt and rude,

That should read ' ... and while it is often enough abrupt and rude ..."

> this is just
> Olin. I've been at the receiving end (mildly though) and have not taken
> offence. I find that Olin's usefulness far outweighs his sometimes brash
> posts (which I actually find quite amusing most of the time).

I think we have to separate the two issues.
I don't think we want to retain Olin DESPITE his rudeness BECAUSE of his
usefulness.
I think we want to retain Olin DESPITE his rudeness while making it clear
that such treatment of a 1st poster is utterly beyond the pale, and should
be used with due care with list members who are used to him.

People's usefulness should be independent of what behaviour we accept from
them. (According to me anyway :-) ).

> Anyway - just my 2 cents - it would be a shame to lose Olin both from a
> technical stance and also from an amusement point of view.

Agree. I'd like to see him remain.
I'd also like to see him give new posters a FEW chances to get established
too before letting fly.

We could let Jinx decide when  - "OK, if you still refuse to take notice of
my advice I'll turn on the <OLIN> mode .... " :-) .


    RM

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