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So, the blogger is building a business for which conceivably he would like to succeed and sell for millions and one of his gripes is that he doesn't want to pay

by aantix 19y ago

So, the blogger is building a business for which conceivably he would like to succeed and sell for millions and one of his gripes is that he doesn't want to pay $26 for the Rails book? Besides the fact that it is a great book and can answer 95% of your Rails questions, I have a hard time taking him seriously with this statement. Can't shell out $26 for a manual to the platform you are basing your business off of? What next? Are they hosting their site on Geocities?

Tichy 19y ago
I also always gripe with Ruby's lack of documentation. It just doesn't feel right. In comparison: I have never spent a dime on a Java book, in the 10 years that I have been using the language. On the other hand, I can't count how often I have downloaded the various available online docs, for example when I did consulting and used the clients computer. I also travel a lot, which has hampered my progress in Ruby (that book is heavy, so it stayed home) - OK, I should have bought the e-book, but still... 26$ is not a lot, but it is a lot if you are not sure if it is worth your money, or if it will fulfill all your needs. Is that the only Ruby book you'll ever need, or are more investments coming up (Rails book(s))? It's all about risks, in a way. Why else use Open Source Software? With Java, I know my needs are taken care of, and if I ever have a problem, I will find the answer for free, and fast.
- aantix 19y ago
  There are certainly enough examples out there that will get you up and running with Rails and will at the very least allow you to make an appropriate assessment as to whether it will improve your development productivity. If you're at the point where you're thinking of buying the book my assumption is that you're already passed the point of assessing Rails and are looking to understand the more advanced functionality. If you're at that point, $26 is nothing.
  - Tichy 19y ago
    I can afford 26$, but for a student it might be a lot of money. Just a thought.

by aantix 19y ago

Tichy 19y ago

I also always gripe with Ruby's lack of documentation. It just doesn't feel right. In comparison: I have never spent a dime on a Java book, in the 10 years that I have been using the language. On the other hand, I can't count how often I have downloaded the various available online docs, for example when I did consulting and used the clients computer. I also travel a lot, which has hampered my progress in Ruby (that book is heavy, so it stayed home) - OK, I should have bought the e-book, but still... 26$ is not a lot, but it is a lot if you are not sure if it is worth your money, or if it will fulfill all your needs. Is that the only Ruby book you'll ever need, or are more investments coming up (Rails book(s))? It's all about risks, in a way. Why else use Open Source Software? With Java, I know my needs are taken care of, and if I ever have a problem, I will find the answer for free, and fast.

aantix 19y ago
There are certainly enough examples out there that will get you up and running with Rails and will at the very least allow you to make an appropriate assessment as to whether it will improve your development productivity. If you're at the point where you're thinking of buying the book my assumption is that you're already passed the point of assessing Rails and are looking to understand the more advanced functionality. If you're at that point, $26 is nothing.
- Tichy 19y ago
  I can afford 26$, but for a student it might be a lot of money. Just a thought.