> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: fedora-list-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx >> [mailto:fedora-list-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Charles Howse >> Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 7:38 PM >> To: Fedora >> Subject: Why questions don't get answered, or "No, I've >> already RTFM, tell me the answer!" >> >> I'd like to start a calm, respectful, reasonable discussion >> of the reasons >> that we tell people to RTFM, or reasons that people don't get their >> questions answered on mailing lists and usenet groups. >> >> I'm not complaining about anything or anybody, just wanting >> to start some >> discussion which might lead to more answers and less 'noise'. >> >> No one has been disrespectful to me, don't get the wrong idea. >> >> I personally am a former Microsoft Certified Professional in >> NT Server 4.0, >> have used operating systems including, PC DOS, MS DOS, OS/2 Warp, >> all flavors of Windows through XP Pro (except ME, which sucked >> sooo bad), Linux, >> FreeBSD, and currently, Mac OS X Tiger. >> >> I've administered networks consisting of hundreds of >> workstations and dozens >> of servers, installed lans and wans from scratch, taught >> Windows operating >> systems, software and networking. >> >> I feel that might just barely qualify me as knowing a little about >> computers, and I say that seriously...'a little'. > > I know how you feel. ;-) > >> >> There are a lot of things I don't know, and when I run out of >> research options, or get frustrated when all the troubleshooting >> solutions don't >> work, I'm heading for usenet or a mailing list, because time >> after time, >> that has been the resource that provided the solution. A >> wise man once told >> me, "Someone out there has solved that problem, you just have >> to find them." >> >> I don't really know where to start, so here are some random >> thoughts... >> >> Maybe I got told to RTFM because I missed something in it? >> Well, could you >> just politely point me to the section I missed, please? Or >> give me a link >> to a howto or some html page where it is explained? >> >> Maybe the question has been answered in the FAQ for the list? >> Just point me >> to it, you don't have to say anything else. >> >> I've seen lots of posts to this list and others with no >> subject or a subject >> that has nothing to do with the question, but the question >> was answered >> respectfully. So, when I post with a good subject, one that >> will show up in >> a Google search, help me out. >> >> Many lists and groups regularly autopost the guidelines for >> posting, FAQ, >> and relevant howto pages, point me to those when necessary. >> >> Someone used the phrase 'spoon feed' recently. I don't >> remember who, nor is >> it important, but what's wrong with a spoon full of sugar now >> and then? >> And why would you ignore a reasonable question unless you >> don't know the >> answer? > > Is replying to say "I don't know" any more constructive than ignoring > the question? At the least it lets the OP know that the mail was > received, but really, that's about it. For clarity, what I mean is, if I ask a question, and you know the answer, but it has been asked and answered many times, I would prefer to hear: "That question is answered in the list FAQ, which is here <link>." If you know the answer, but ignore the question because it is in the FAQ, then aren't you increasing bandwidth consumption by causing the thread to continue? > >> >> I think the members of this list are mostly doing things the >> way I would >> like to see them done, but I also think we could all do better, eh? >> >> I don't mean to step on any toes, just want to start some >> discussion. Does anyone else have any thoughts on why questions >> don't get >> the respectful >> treatment they deserve? >> >> >> -- >> Thanks, >> Charles >> > > While I agree with you on the general gist of what you're saying, I > think that the people who are behaving negatively on lists are people > who are demanding attention. *Most* people answer, if they know. Or > point if they can. What I've found, is that at least 2 out of 3 > times, when I go to google someone's problem, the answer is usually > in the top 10 links found. For people that are particularly active > on lists, this can be frustrating. I agree 100%, with the exception that I would prefer to hear: "I Googled for +"Fedora Core 4" +install" and the answer is..." That helps me learn how to do my own Googling and come away with answers. > > This list in particular seems to be relatively well behaved, > although, I don't follow it as closely as I used to (switched > distros). So I'm a little curious why you're asking these questions > now. Ummmm...well, I just did a lot of research on some list archives, including this one, and there seemed to me to be a lot of negative responses. Now the worst list I've ever subscribed to as far as negative response and RTFM was freebsd-questions. Whew! Better put on your asbestos underwear and list all your research before you post there!
