Topic: Forum use

[wyron]

Or
1. Insecure newbie, who couldn’t be bothered looking
+ 2. Structured answer from someone with patience enough to care.
= 3. A happy newbie, who will immediately ask a question at the next hurdle.

Maybe, maybe not, my dear 'guest'. So be it !
We've all been there at one time, and hurdles,  admittedly, are there to be overcome. But frequently these questions arise out of valid doubt (insecurity, plain and simple).
When we run out of people with patience enough to care, such questions will just go unanswered, and in the end we either loose a potential contributor, or gain another selfmade firebrand with nothing but contempt for insecure newbies. Either way I don't see much of a gain.
Once again - ignore the questions you don't like, and go about your own happy business.

[duncan]

I will own up to being 'guest' (timeout).

I will always help anyone that needs help. I simply prefer to help those that take the time out to help them selves. Any indication that they have made the effort to research their problem is enough. Being spoon-fed teaches nothing but the most direct answer – you learn nothing - miss out on the broader picture if you like.

Regards Duncan

[wyron]

OK, Duncan, nice of you to 'own up' (an' ain't timeout a bitch).
Lets drop this issue. I think your message has come through loud and clear.
I just hope it will not scare newbies away for want of the ability to decide whether their burning question might provoke a rebuke.

[stancol]

Just my 2 cents worth. (or maybe 1.5)

1.) The reason Newbie's are Newbie's is because they are New. (Really profound I know.)

2.) Maybe the reason Newbie's post messages incorrectly or in the wrong forum is they are Newbie’s and don't know not to. I know this because I did this. I couple of kind postings and redirects to another URL in the form made me see the light. (I'm saved now hallelujah.)

3.) Maybe the reason Newbie's don't do a search first is because they are Newbie’s. Your going to think this is strange but as a Newbie it NEVER entered my mind to do a search first. I know because I learn this the hard way to. Wasn't such a nice reply either but I took my lumps and learned.

4.) Although we shouldn't spoon feed Newbie's we need to remember that we were ALL once Newbie’s and did the things that Newbie’s do. (That almost rhymed. Maybe it might make a nice song title.) A happy middle between telling them everything and a quick explanation of a simple command would be nice. (Kinda hard to hit a Happy Medium.)

5.) Just a suggestion but maybe when we find posts like these we should kindly tell the Newbie's what is so obvious to us. a.) Search first b.) Check to make sure it's pertinent. c.) Go a head and post.

6.) What will keep SME going (in my opinion) isn’t the existing crowd but attracting Newbie’s that can add to the project. If we scare them off by being rood they may never return to add strength to the project.

SIDE NOTE: I’ve had trouble with the search function at times. (I’m sure it’s the operator. Couldn’t think of the right words to search for or whatever.) I’ve found the previous posting after I’ve posted it myself. So even us Experie’s can make mistakes.

Note to webmaster: It might be nice to post some of these things we all know but Newbies don't. In other words a short how to right at the top before you even pick your forum.