"Eric S. Harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> To my fellow Perl "newbies":
>
> You might want to consider using a more meaningful subject line than something
> like these, all culled from the last month:
> o beginner question
> o Can any one see an error in here I can't?
> o Hello. How can I fix this line of code?
> o hello!! please help me!!
> o Help needed
[...]
> Such subject lines aren't much help.
It may be helpful for you to also know that many experienced
readers of these kinds of groups skip over postings with
poor subjects. We want to help, but figure that there's
only so much time to do so. We focus on the ones that seem
to have a grasp of what they do and do not know, and can
articulate it well in the body *and* the subject.
When I see a subject like "I need help", my answer
(privately to myself) is "You sure do. And it involves
collecting your thoughts in a focused request."
Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is meant as a help. It's
the reality of what happens here. Folks that know what's up
are more inclined to help others that have done their
homework. That includes:
*specific* subject
well described background
sample data (input and output)
edge definitions (what works, what doesn't)
all this distilled/whittled down to the minimal set
that defines the issue
Do yourself a favor by doing your reader a favor. Make it
easy for the reader to understand your problem, and you make
it easier for them to help you and answer your problem.
And "newbie" is such a weak term. It reeks of "I'm weak".
Be strong. State what you *do* know. State that you are
aware of what you are missing, or at least know what
direction it is. People like helping people that are
helping themselves. Don't put up a post that reeks of "I'm
helpless". We all started out at "ignorant" and are still
there on some subject; "ignorant" merely means not knowing.
But "stupid" or "weak" doesn't work.
--
Michael R. Wolf
All mammals learn by playing!
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