python-discord
Allow all users to access realpython command in all channels
Description
Currently, only staff can use the .rp command in channels like #python-discussion. I propose we change it so any user can use it, as with the .topic command.
Reasoning
More than just mods can benefit from the command. It's a good way to link people to reliable articles for more in-depth information on various concepts. Non-staff members should still have the ability to give these articles if they think it's helpful.
Proposed Implementation
This functionality already exists with the .topic command. I believe the current functionality is only the default behavior and can be overwritten.
Additional Details
Would you like to implement this yourself?
- [x] I'd like to implement this feature myself
- [ ] Anyone can implement this feature
Relevant discussion on Discord: https://discord.com/channels/267624335836053506/429409067623251969/1244892427043737610
There was a discussion about this a while ago, but it didn't reach a concensus. Starts here: https://discord.com/channels/267624335836053506/635950537262759947/881915164545409075
The argument was mainly that a lot of the responses from the command may not be relevant to the person being helped, so ideally the helper should have ensured that there is a particular helpful article shown in the response, in which case they can share it directly. For example, if someone just wanted to learn about lists, the article you'd want is https://realpython.com/python-lists-tuples/ , but that doesn't appear:
That said, for most queries (especially less broad ones) the results given are helpful, so personally I'd be happy to try it out at least, but would like other opinions first.
I mostly see the rp command being helpful in cases that need more explanation and that aren't already in a short help tag. We do have a !lists command, and I think it explains enough. I do agree that it's not ideal for some results to be off the mark, but I don't see this as a huge issue, since the most that can happen is the embed just isn't helpful. It's currently not helpful at all to most users, so being helpful most of the time is still better in my opinion.