[OSM-newbies] Conversational gambit: New to OSM?

[Dave F.]

Richard Weait wrote:
> Hi newbies list,
>
> Are you new to OpenStreetMap?  Here are some questions as conversation
> starters.  All are optional.
>
> 1. What first brought your attention to OSM?  A magazine article?  A
> web site interview?  SteveC's FLOSS Weekly interview?
>   
Although I was aware of it before, I first started using it when  I was 
searching for a free Garmin compatible map.
> 2. What made you decide to get involved and join this list?
>   
To try & reduce the domination of Ordinance Survey. IMO the fact that 
the citizens of the UK paid for the army division to collect the data & 
yet have to pay again to use it is one of the worst government rip-offs 
in recent history.
I'm aware of the irony that even though OSM can't use OS data, the 
reverse is possible!
> 3. What is the trickiest part about starting with OSM, for you?  Can
> you suggest how to make this tricky thing less-tricky?
>   
Two things:
1. Getting to grips with what's out there in respect to editors, error 
checkers, end user maps etc, There appears to be no web page that 
collates & compares this info. If you know of one please post.

2. I'm sorry to say this, but /some /of the posters have been less than 
friendly to me & some others. In my case it boiled down to the amount of 
posts I make that upsets some people. Instead of welcoming, seeing new 
users as 'fresh blood' with new ideas/perspectives (as well as 
hands/feet to do the mapping), some /seem/ to have taken umbrage at the 
fact that the forums aren't as cosy/quiet as they once were. As OSM 
gains users the forums are bound to get more posts. I see that as positive.

> Or, of course, feel free to post your questions about beginning to
> contribute data to OpenStreetMap.
>
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>