I know what you mean, when I first got a computer I think I asked
questions I couldn't even explain right, or they were so simple people who
knew couldn't understand what the problem was (LOL) I remember when I was
learning to make websites wanting to know "where is page 2?" ( Or course I
had to MAKE a page 2 and upload and link it)

I was told once "there's no such thing as a dumb question" (at least with
computers, etc)

I've seen this on a computer tech board "There's no such thing as a dumb
question. Those are the easiest to answer".

Anyway, overall, from being on boards and groups, it seems the answer is
just to ignore those who are rude, critical and seem to be looking for
attention (in a negative way). The regulars here who answer are always so
patient and polite with people.

Of course, ignoring those who find fault and are snappy, doesn't help a
NEWCOMER (who might be seriously trying to ask a question in the only way
they can explain it) feel better about it.

So, along with ignoring the rude, critical posts, maybe being patient and
polite and and trying to help, to offset it.

I know I still feel like a newbie to a lot of this, but sometimes I try
and answer if I've had any experience with it. Just to make a connection and
not have the question float down the board, ignored. I've also jumped into
other's threads with questions if I've had the same questions and
experiences. I know on some boards, I'd get told off for doing this- they
call it hijacking someone else's thread. Overall, this is a really great
group and seems to stay peaceful and helpful, which can't be said for a lot
of boards, and especially newsgroups. Especially the so-called "spiritual"
themed ones.

Happy 2006 to all ! (I still have Office 2000 and at this point I'm
happy with it, but then I still have Windows 98 SE and if and when I get a
new PC it will have XP on it and at some point I'll probably be moving on)

~ Carrie


"Erika" wrote in message
...
First, Happy New Year to everyone here!!!!

This isn't my business and I'm not naming names but sometimes people
offer very snippy, sarcastic or nasty responses when answering sincere
questions from clueless people. Yes, I know they're clueless, but
they're here for help in what looks like a Microsoft sanctioned
newsgroup, and they should be treated with respect. They are here
because they don't know the answers. One suggestion is to finally write
that FAQ we've discussed that has the answers to the 10 top questions
and simply refer the questioner to the answer: "Please read the FAQ at
www.faq.domain.com and come back if you have additional questions after
that."

Now, what follows is taken from another newgroup I visit and I thought
it would be useful to sha

What to Ask and How to Answer

If you're answering a practical question, *first* make the answer
practical and *directly address the question*. Tell the inquirer how to
do what they ask. Do not berate or belittle them for asking it. Follow
up your answer with "...but here's something else to consider" if you
feel it important to do so, *but only after you've answered their
question*.

Above all, if you can't answer with a modicum of respect, or without
feeling somehow annoyed by the question, then DO NOT ANSWER AT ALL. I'm
dead serious about this. You may have seen and responded to a question
six thousand times, but the person asking has only heard it once: when
they asked it. They're asking it in order to fill a gap in their own
knowledge. Make your answer an encouragement for more questions, not an
incentive to go away.

Food for thought!!!
--

Hugs, Erika