Hi Richard, In most cases, it seems someone's tried their resources prior to posting to this list. In some cases, it seems pretty obvious they're going to the list prior to trying reading a manual, Googling, or basically doing any research at all. That's fine too, and I don't think they should be roasted for that either. That said, the following things do bother me: - When I see someone ask a question, get one or more possibly good answers, dismiss those answers, then roasts every single person who was nice enough to have answered. - When that same someone then states they'd appreciate comments from other users, and in turn roasts those users when they provide the requested comments. - When that same someone then goes on to advocate learning by experimentation, but does not expand on what if anything was learned, when that could have been helpful to any other number of users. - When that same someone continues on by espousing the same philosopher who was so inspirational to Hitler, with seemingly no idea who that philosopher was, or what the context of the phrase they had misquoted had even meant. I've had a several users send me emails directly regarding comments and questions I sent to Remedy Maniac previously, both in favor of it, and against it. I know I could have just ignored his/her request for comments, but he/she had actually asked for them, and as much as their posted bothered me on a personal level, I would not have felt right just ignoring their request. I am not sure if you considered my questions and comments to Remedy Maniac a reaming, but I have to say I did feel a whole lot better having said them. I can see how that may have been construed to contribute to the overall hostility on the list lately, and for that I am sorry, as that was never my intent. I also see how my comments regarding karma were a bit snotty, but for those I am not sorry, as that was my intent. Regarding my doctor: I pay to see her. Even though I pay, I still have to listen to a lecture about dropping a few pounds and stopping smoking every time I see them. I'm fine with that, as I believe the reason they feel compelled to give me that lecture is that they are trying to help me. The ARSList is free, and I don't have the same expectations of it I have of a doctor who I pay a lot of money to see. While I do not think someone should be flamed for not providing enough information to answer a question, I do see how it's reasonable to ask them for more information. Eric Cleereman _____
From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Richard Copits Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 3:39 PM To: arslist@ARSLIST.ORG Subject: Re: Rant - New posts on ARSList - Rant ** <opinion on> An unpopular opinion....but just consider this..... I believe that the reason people post questions to this list is for help. I tend to believe that they've tried their resources and not had any luck. I'm pretty sure that they've most likely googled, read, etc. and still came up empty. Remember, posting to this list has two effects - first, it acknowledges that you can't find the answer and second, that if you post to the list and don't post the right/politically correct way, you potentially open yourself up to flames from some people. I contend that it takes either guts are desperation to admit that you're ignorant of a solution, that you're unable to find anything to help you with the solution, and that you're even willing to potentially endure the flames of politically or grammatically hazardous posting...... But...does it REALLY matter what someone's name is? Does it REALLY HELP to ream them if they aren't as grammatically erudite as you are? How about just dropping the requirements of form, identification and intent....and.....just help them? Or.....don't. But if you can't be positive, cordial and helpful, don't reply. When you are sick and go to your doctor, does he ask "Well, what treatments have your researched on the internet and at the library and tried....what drugs have you borrowed/bought and tried..." before he treats you? Does your dentist ask what attempts you've done to fill your own teeth (maybe with a power drill..) before he agrees to help you? Do they say anything like "I don't like the way you told me about your pain/problem..so.....when you can describe it like I want it described, come back and I'll help you...." I think not. So.....my suggestion is - I'm sure all of us were newbies at some point and appreciated a cordial reply, a kind word, a bit of understanding and a lot of hand-holding to get where we are today. The people asking for advice or help are just trying in their own way to get a job done....make it through another day or get another server working. I'm sure we've ALL cut corners, tried to take the easy way out or would rather ask than read - we're all human - so let's let others be human also. I can get sarcasm, crap and elitist and snotty remarks from people at work. On this list it would be nice to get help, understanding and even camaraderie if nothing else by virtue that we're all slogging in this swamp, trying to watch out for alligators and quicksand and helping each other find the path to dry land. </opinion off> Portions of this message may be confidential under an exemption to Ohio's public records law or under a legal privilege. If you have received this message in error or due to an unauthorized transmission or interception, please delete all copies from your system without disclosing, copying, or transmitting this message. __Platinum Sponsor: www.rmsportal.com ARSlist: "Where the Answers Are" html___ _______________________________________________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at www.arslist.org Platinum Sponsor: www.rmsportal.com ARSlist: "Where the Answers Are"
