very true. Also, this "Once you manage to get Emacs and SLIME going (I'm assuming you already know Emacs intimately, because if you don't, you already lose)"
sometimes i feel lisp is like an exercise in barrier of entry. "Let's make an awesome language that is as inaccessible out of the box as possible" not just application wise. knowledge wise too.
I've replied to these arguments before on HN but it bears repeating: You really do not have to use Emacs and Slime to get going with Common Lisp. There are many options including using whatever you're already familiar with or just plain Notepad.
It's unfortunate that people advocating Lisp also advocate Emacs+Slime as the only option (although it is a good option).
sometimes i feel lisp is like an exercise in barrier of entry. "Let's make an awesome language that is as inaccessible out of the box as possible" not just application wise. knowledge wise too.