Dan Zwell
8/7/2007 3:48:00 AM
Simon Schuster wrote:
> I've got an impressively spotty understanding of ruby, linux,
> programming in general, and math/logic, but have a project or two in
> mind that are just taking too long for me to make headway with on my
> own. I would like to buy some lessons via AIM/email paid with paypal to
> use ruby to actualize some of these things and help me learn ruby in
> the process. healthcare doesn't pay like flipping burgers,
> surprisingly, so I can't offer any kind of IT going rate. this
> situation would be ideal for someone(s) gearing up for
> teaching, or learning hobbyists like myself (teaching is maybe the best
> way to learn!), or for someone wanting to learn the basics of modern
> hebrew, which is another of my autodidactic hack-of-all-trades
> interests, and probably my most powerful area (about 3 years of
> on-and-off learning).. this last would be the most ideal trade, for me
> (see above re: $). also I'm just fun to talk to.
>
> projects abstractly: making (in general) and utilizing fonts within ruby, web
> automation, making a file-sharing AIM bot, nanobrews, specifics after
> talking some, aim/yahoo=awhilewhileaway thank you!
>
>
Getting paid help might be hard, because that requires commitment. (You
might get even get a better response if you didn't offer to pay!) But
this list is excellent for questions. If you ask them well, you are very
likely to get useful responses quickly.
If you get no offers from potential tutors, maybe you should just start
your projects. I have always found that's the best way to learn (besides
teaching, like you mentioned). Ask for help on this list with something
more specific when it comes up. You can ask for help often. And if your
goals turn out to be too much, you will still learn.
You should also look for a Ruby users group and a Linux users group in
your area. There you can be around people that will have lots of good
input. You can bounce your ideas off this list, too (the Ruby ones, at
least), but face to face is often nicer if you can get it.
Good luck,
Dan