We had some Microsoft folks visit our workplace today. They were interested to hear from IT folks (Sysadmins, Developers, DBAs) how we used the TechNet and MSDN web sites, reference materials, and in general all Microsoft knowledge assets (sites, help files, community groups, etc).

We had a great conversation and they were very open minded and alerted me to several things I wasn't aware of that I asked them for. They were very receptive and even knowledgeable when I suggested that simple task-based sites like the Ruby On Rails site are quite successful in helping drive people to what they're looking for once they have made up their mind about the technology they're thinking of.

They said that the Rails site example is a good one, but the problem is that, for example, with Silverlight, you have several difference audiences coming to that site for a number of different purposes.

I suggested that perhaps trying to get everyone to go to www.{some_microsoft_technology}.com, establish a non-codified standard of using domain names like 'dev.silverlight.com' or 'dev.microsoft.com' so that those 'in-the-know' folks could go directly to what they want once they have been clued into the pattern.

We discussed the Patterns & Practices sites and what I felt was best and worst about it. I gave them an earful (nothing that the P&P guys haven't heard already though).

When asked what alternative resources I use for architecture, design, patterns, and practices-type information, the phrase 'ALT.NET' practically jumped out of my throat but I was able to catch it.  Something caused me to hold it back. I'm not sure what it was. There are Microsoft folks on the ALT.NET mailing list, so it's not like it's some secretive underground organization like Fight Club or something.  But still, I hesitated. There's something beautiful and quaint about the mailing list and its feverish fire hose mind blowing and humbling raw design and technology discussions.  I felt as though mentioning it to these people (who were great people, don't get me wrong -- they weren't in marketing and therefore, still had souls) would somehow be a betrayal to the fellow 'listers.

What do you think?  Is ALT.NET something we should be promoting outside of our rather semi-closed blogosphere of like-minded (or at least understanding conscientious objectors), or is its beauty and inherent function preserved by the fact that the only people who join are those who seeks its knowledge in the first place?

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