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Realizing Arch isn't for me after updating broke VLC
(lemmy.sdf.org)
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this post was submitted on 15 Jul 2025
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Ah yes, the issue with modern Linux, the community.
I feel the shift to the current "git gud" style of blaming the user in any support has done more damage to Linux then any part of the software.
I don't feel like this is a terribly recent attitude. It's definitely one I've encountered repeatedly over a decade or more of dipping my toes in the pool. It's not incorrect in a lot of circumstances, but it's very difficult to find support when no one wants to help you improve. There's always been a significant degree of ego in Linux user communities.
Not wanting to help would be better then this, its like they just want to "win" the support ticket. Its so terribly counterproductive.
I agree, people were telling me to RTFM in support chats on irc 30 years ago.
omg you guys are fragile af
I just had this exact same issue. I installed the package. Done.
No whining. It's one fucking line of code.
They are not tech support. Maybe call applecare.
Why even type this?
Do you feel better doing so?
This is not a support forum, this is not tech support, this is lemmy and other then giving a great example of what the OP is getting at what does your comment address?
I'm amazed at the idea that in any technical community, an urging to gain more skill in your chosen environment could somehow be seen as negative.
I would make a joke here about arch and gatekeeping but its not just an arch issue.
It is most certainly not. (He says, as he comes fuming out of yet another meeting about a ticket that could have been solved at Tier 2 if support would learn how to read a log)
Oh pebkac is alive and well, no doubt about it. But expecting any level of expertise from an non commercial end user while simultaneously shooting down their questions is not going to help.
I absolutely agree, but here's the problem in this context:
Arch gatekeeps on occasion, yes, but this isn't that. This is the simple rules of that particular distro. OP is free to find something that better fits their needs; and it appears they have.
I see no problems with someone showing frustration, and in this case I don't think arch should be proud of this example.
This is very much that, and why arch has the reputation it does. It will always be a fringe distro with the way the people (you included) shame and gatekeep.
the community is the worst part of most things, the RTFM attitude is better than toxic positivity though
Sure, but when I am looking for an answer toxic positivity and RTFM are often the same thing. The number of times people jump up to defend the manual and glaze the program without even checking if the info is in the manual (or if the manual even makes sense at all) is way too high.
I used to have to work on new stuff all the time and would have to read whitepapers or engineering change docs on the daily, and no the tangled mess most Linux documentation is in does not count as a functioning source of information.
The part that still grinds my gears is why bother to type out nothing of value like RTFM at all? Forums are filled with terrible posts belittleing the question instead of just answering the question. Its not helping anyone and at least to me makes little sense.