you're damn right it's long and between all the "how to be a programmer" guides that pop up on HN (all of which are usually 10 point lists that I can only equate to CS masturbation)THIS ONE, this one really long guide here, is worth printing out and reading in it's entirety.

the reason it keeps showing up on HN is for new users, like yourself, to read about it.

if HN had a "best of the best" based on re submissions and up-votes, this would be on that list (also, erlang).

Yes it looks long, but for what I have been able to read so far (the first couple of chapters) its a worthwhile read. The programmer inside me is afraid that if I don't read it before I sleep I will never be able to find it again!