Eric S. Raymond <e...@thyrsus.com>: > there is actually a value conflict between being "welcoming" in that sense and the actual purpose of this list, which is to ship code.
Speaking as a "high functioning autist", I'm aware of the difficulties that some of us have with social interactions - and also that many of us construct a persona or multiple personae to interact with others, a phenomenon known as "masking". I understand why "Asshole" can function as a viable mask for many people, because there are cultures where it's tolerated, particularly in remote-working groups like mailing lists, where physical altercations are unlikely and no-one has to confront the results of their interactions with others if they don't want to. It doesn't necessarily follow that "smart" == "asshole" though. I disagree fundamentally that the assessment that the code contributions of such people are necessarily more positive than those of the people they drive away - *especially* people like me, another high-functioning autist, because our difficulty with social interaction often includes a phenomenon called RSD - Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria - characterised by a disproportionately overwhelming response to criticism amongst other things. I've been coding for the better part of 4 decades and generally have confidence in my ability, and still balk at participating in Free and OSS projects where the lead members have an abrasive and confrontational style. I learned to avoid these people (well, maybe the less smart people whose mask they are copying) at school. Note - I'm not talking about constructive criticism, I'm specifically talking about being unnecessarily unpleasant. In contrast I still remember (and talk about) experiences contributing to projects where the leads have been nothing but friendly and helpful. It's not just about "the code alone" of one or a few talented "autist" persons. These projects are intrinsically about community - that's baked into the license. No-one really "codes alone". The code you never see because people don't want to join in _could_ be just as great - but if presenting as assholes has always been and always will be tolerated, maybe you'll never see it. Adrian Wilkins
