Self-Introduction: Gerard Ryan.
Good evening Documenters.
I'm Gerard Ryan. My IRC nick is Gearoid, and my fedora account nick is
galileo. Here is why I am interested in becoming a fellow documenter.
--What other projects or writing have you worked on in the past?
I'm not 100% sure what is meant by 'projects' and 'writing' here. I
don't think I have worked on any projects before, none are coming to
mind that are worth mentioning. With regards to writing, I have Bachelor
of Arts degree in two languages (French and Gaeilge), and that certainly
required me to write!
--What level and type of computer skills do you have?
I consider myself to have quite good computer skills. Back before my
enlightenment (about 4 years ago), I was 'the go-to guy' for my family
and friends for all of their MS Windows problems. Since I started using
linux, I began to enjoy my computing experience far more. In the past
couple of years, I have only used MS Windows or Mac OSX if any of my
family or friends needed help, so 99.9% of my usage has been with linux.
At the moment, I do most of the server admin work for one of my friends,
and I also have a server myself as a sort of personal playground. I use
the shell when possible, and I try to automate stuff as much as I can
with bash or python. My bash is functional but starting to go stale; and
my python is decent and ever-improving. I can usually understand perl,
but I have never taken the time to sit down and learn it.
--What other skills do you have that might be applicable?
I have people skills and teaching skills. I was raised in a small hotel,
so dealing with people is something that comes naturally to me. At the
moment, I am in my second year working as a language assistant in a
secondary school. I help teach English to francophone teenagers.
--What makes you an excellent match for the project?
I have been using gnu/linux/FOSS for a few years now, so I feel it's
about time I got off my lazy behind and started to do something for the
community. I have been thinking about it for a few months now, but I
didn't know what I could do. I don't have the confidence in my
programming skills yet to try developing, I'm not very good with graphic
design, so I wouldn't be very helpful in the artwork field. My command
of the English language is something I have the utmost faith in, so I
feel that the Documentation Project is where I could be most useful.
Also, I have a craving for knowledge, and I know that I will learn a lot
as a by-product of helping out. Unfortunately, I don't have a girlfriend
at the moment, so I usually have lots of free time to spend online! :)
--GPG KEYID and fingerprint
[gr@xps ~]$ gpg --fingerprint 8DCE7BDB
pub 2048R/8DCE7BDB 2010-04-08 [expires: 2015-04-07]
Key fingerprint = 1264 5BD0 EE48 04C2 334D DAA7 F071 A4DE 8DCE 7BDB
uid Gerard Ryan <mail.gerardryan(a)gmail.com>
sub 2048R/D1A190D4 2010-04-08 [expires: 2015-04-07]
I'm now off to learn a bit about publican, and to familiarize myself
with the writing style guide, etc. I think I should pick it up pretty
quickly.
If any of you could have recommendations as to where you think I could
be useful, or if you would like me to proof-read or edit or give
feedback on anything, please let me know! :)
Ger.