[jablan]

I can try to explain my impression, which is quite similar, only, in my case, wasn't strong enough to drive me away from Ruby. I started reading Poignant Guide with the aim of improving my Ruby knowledge (I started with Pickaxe and was quite satisfied with it), and learning Ruby idioms and philosophy better.

Instead, I found a cryptic artsy graphic novel full of absurd humour, cultural references and so on. I found it hard to understand. It made me feel stupid and inferior (especially as English is not my native language). On the other hand, the community was full of praise for the book, so, I felt unwelcome and intimidated. The community seemed to be headed by elitist wizards, which were inventing their own culture, their own "secret language" and initiation rites. Almost a cult.

Anyway, I hadn't gave up on Ruby, I like it (and I think I mastered it quite well), I appreciate the beautiful ecosystem built around it, just don't take "idols and prophets" that serious anymore.

Not sure if the similar sentiment is shared by the GP though.

[adrianoconnor]

<quote>The community seemed to be headed by elitist wizards, which were inventing their own culture, their own "secret language" and initiation rites. Almost a cult.</quote>

I think you read way too much in to it :( I mean, WPGTR is like Monty Python. Some people love it -- really love it -- and others don't. You didn't need to feel alienated, because plenty of other people didn't get it either. And _why might have spoke at conferences, but he was very separate from the people who 'headed' ruby at the time.

[MrBra]

I wouldn't put it as in a negative way as you did when you say you feel stupid and inferior for not being an english native speaker, but I can feel you. It's one of those moment you say to yourself: hey, I've always been better than any non native local english speaker, now how is that I get only 1 sentence out of 4? And you feel jealous of those who are "gifted" to be english native speakers. you eventually end up wishing for a translated version.. so why not taking the occasion to ask if someone would be interested in doing that? Of course I can't tell you what language I'd like it to be translated in, because it'd be a step further in destroying my anonimity ;) Well, it wouldn't matter anyway, because I am sure it would be translated in other languages too afterward, and my language would certainly be covered.. wouldn't it? We should poll and check how many and which would be the more requested languages.. as a start? So yea, hope someone catches this up...

[alxndr]

> I started reading Poignant Guide with the aim of improving my Ruby knowledge

Well there's your first problem.

[jablan]

I understand that (now), however, PGR has often been recommended as an introductory book to Ruby, while it should be considered a piece of art in the first place. I guess _why should have chosen a bit more esoteric language as a vehicle. Luckily, there's plenty of them floating around ever since the fifties. :)

[pygy_]

The Poignant Guide predates Rails. Ruby was still obscure at the time.