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What to Ask and How to Answer Questions



 
 
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  #21  
Old January 5th, 2006, 03:21 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
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Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Just want to tell all MVP's that I, for one, really enjoy your humor. Don't
ever stop with the humor. It's needed!
--
Donna in Idaho
Website: www.LinusIdaho.org

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
JoAnn

Humour is a lost art for sure, but I am attempting a revival, as are you
and the other PubVP's..

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they
should be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to
educate a little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users
into trying the Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times, it
takes more than a 'pretty please'..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"JoAnn Paules [MVP]" wrote in message
.. .
I love your ideas for templates!!! Especially the Dad one. With my dad it
would be "Dad figured out which end of screwdriver to use all by
himself!".

I think humor is getting to be a lost art. And laughing at oneself is so
much fun - I do it a lot!

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]



"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
Erika

There are already websites covering some of the most frequently asked
questions.. it is as easy for an OP to type their questions into a
Google or MSN search to find them, but some have already done this..
what they want when they come here is a simple explanation in laymen
terms, something like a two line answer that covers all exits.. that is
not going to happen in many cases..

People expect, unreasonably so, to be able to buy Publisher and find a
certificate template like 'Dad washing his first dish', and do not like
the idea of having to learn how to customise an existing template..
anything more than a 5 minute tutorial is often more than they have time
to do..

There has been criticism by some at the amount of websites one is
directed to by MVPs.. accusations of us not knowing are stuff are not
uncommon.. so what are we expected to do?.. type out long personalised
answers addressing each OP's specific need, no answer ever requiring any
ability on the OP's part?.. we are volunteers here, and have a life
outside of offering to do their child's school project for them..
sometimes, we just can't win..

JoAnn might remember the guy who had bought Publisher such that his son
could do something towards a school project... he was horrified to find
out that his son would not just be able to click the 'Finish the school
project' button.. when one or two of us suggested that he sit with his
son and experiment a little, we were told in no uncertain terms that he
did not have time for that, and that Microsoft should make it clear on
the packaging that MS Publisher is not easy to use..

Overall, I think that this is one of the better newsgroups, one of my
reasons for coming here at all.. the 'Publisher crew', Ed, Mary, Brian,
JoAnn (apologies to anybody missed) are a good bunch.. they mix
expertise with humour, which is a good thing.. unfortunately, humour to
one person is offence to another..

So answer me this.. why isn't there a template for a gay Jewish wedding
planner in Chinese characters cos they look pretty and the 'bride' is
into Fung Shui where the location for the ceremony and reception is on
Nasa's 747 used for 'weightless' training.. and why isn't there a
template for a fund raising event that includes all of the people on my
local Church social group?.. I am a very busy person and do not have the
time to learn how to use Publisher, by the way..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"Erika" wrote in message
...
JoAnn Paules [MVP] wrote:
I can handle bad grammar, misspelled words, and broken English. What
drives me up a wall are "non-questions". Subject lines like "I want to
make a newsletter" - and nothing in the large white space. I have no
idea where they need their help. Do they not know to use a template?
Are they trying to use a tabloid layout with a printer that can't
print tabloid? Are they trying to send it to someone else for whatever
reason and that person doesn't have Publisher?

These are the things that make me respond "Okay. And your question
is...?" I prefer not to read minds and I didn't get the official
crystal ball that others seem to have. I'm just trying to help others
and really appreciate it when they supply me with enough information
to do so.


I understand what you're saying, JoAnn. I worked on a help desk in the
past and all the jokes are based on true tales. (Oh, the whole building
has a power failure and all the lights are out, Mrs. Smith? No, your
computer won't work right now.) But these people who somehow found
there way here are clueless about Publisher, probably clueless about
newsgroups in general, and they've probably just forked out a
substantial amount of money for a program that's frustrating them. They
don't come in as trolls.

You could type an answer like this, once, and save it on your desktop
or whatever and copy it over and over in about 6 seconds: "Please state
your question clearly. And, here's the FAQ for the top 10 questions we
get in the newsgroup: http://www.faq.domain.com. The answers you need
might be listed there."

It would be more welcoming, encouraging and respectful to the paying
customer.

I do admit that this works better in a moderated group, but I think
it's worth trying. :-)

--

Hugs, Erika








  #22  
Old January 5th, 2006, 03:43 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Well, thank you kindly, Donna.. we aim to please..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"Donna in Idaho" wrote in message
...
Just want to tell all MVP's that I, for one, really enjoy your humor.
Don't ever stop with the humor. It's needed!
--
Donna in Idaho
Website: www.LinusIdaho.org

"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
JoAnn

Humour is a lost art for sure, but I am attempting a revival, as are you
and the other PubVP's..

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they
should be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to
educate a little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users
into trying the Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times, it
takes more than a 'pretty please'..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"JoAnn Paules [MVP]" wrote in message
.. .
I love your ideas for templates!!! Especially the Dad one. With my dad it
would be "Dad figured out which end of screwdriver to use all by
himself!".

I think humor is getting to be a lost art. And laughing at oneself is so
much fun - I do it a lot!

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]



"Mike Hall (MS-MVP)" wrote in message
...
Erika

There are already websites covering some of the most frequently asked
questions.. it is as easy for an OP to type their questions into a
Google or MSN search to find them, but some have already done this..
what they want when they come here is a simple explanation in laymen
terms, something like a two line answer that covers all exits.. that is
not going to happen in many cases..

People expect, unreasonably so, to be able to buy Publisher and find a
certificate template like 'Dad washing his first dish', and do not like
the idea of having to learn how to customise an existing template..
anything more than a 5 minute tutorial is often more than they have
time to do..

There has been criticism by some at the amount of websites one is
directed to by MVPs.. accusations of us not knowing are stuff are not
uncommon.. so what are we expected to do?.. type out long personalised
answers addressing each OP's specific need, no answer ever requiring
any ability on the OP's part?.. we are volunteers here, and have a life
outside of offering to do their child's school project for them..
sometimes, we just can't win..

JoAnn might remember the guy who had bought Publisher such that his son
could do something towards a school project... he was horrified to find
out that his son would not just be able to click the 'Finish the school
project' button.. when one or two of us suggested that he sit with his
son and experiment a little, we were told in no uncertain terms that he
did not have time for that, and that Microsoft should make it clear on
the packaging that MS Publisher is not easy to use..

Overall, I think that this is one of the better newsgroups, one of my
reasons for coming here at all.. the 'Publisher crew', Ed, Mary, Brian,
JoAnn (apologies to anybody missed) are a good bunch.. they mix
expertise with humour, which is a good thing.. unfortunately, humour to
one person is offence to another..

So answer me this.. why isn't there a template for a gay Jewish wedding
planner in Chinese characters cos they look pretty and the 'bride' is
into Fung Shui where the location for the ceremony and reception is on
Nasa's 747 used for 'weightless' training.. and why isn't there a
template for a fund raising event that includes all of the people on my
local Church social group?.. I am a very busy person and do not have
the time to learn how to use Publisher, by the way..


--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"Erika" wrote in message
...
JoAnn Paules [MVP] wrote:
I can handle bad grammar, misspelled words, and broken English. What
drives me up a wall are "non-questions". Subject lines like "I want
to make a newsletter" - and nothing in the large white space. I have
no idea where they need their help. Do they not know to use a
template? Are they trying to use a tabloid layout with a printer that
can't print tabloid? Are they trying to send it to someone else for
whatever reason and that person doesn't have Publisher?

These are the things that make me respond "Okay. And your question
is...?" I prefer not to read minds and I didn't get the official
crystal ball that others seem to have. I'm just trying to help others
and really appreciate it when they supply me with enough information
to do so.


I understand what you're saying, JoAnn. I worked on a help desk in the
past and all the jokes are based on true tales. (Oh, the whole
building has a power failure and all the lights are out, Mrs. Smith?
No, your computer won't work right now.) But these people who somehow
found there way here are clueless about Publisher, probably clueless
about newsgroups in general, and they've probably just forked out a
substantial amount of money for a program that's frustrating them.
They don't come in as trolls.

You could type an answer like this, once, and save it on your desktop
or whatever and copy it over and over in about 6 seconds: "Please
state your question clearly. And, here's the FAQ for the top 10
questions we get in the newsgroup: http://www.faq.domain.com. The
answers you need might be listed there."

It would be more welcoming, encouraging and respectful to the paying
customer.

I do admit that this works better in a moderated group, but I think
it's worth trying. :-)

--

Hugs, Erika










  #23  
Old January 5th, 2006, 11:59 PM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
Erika

There are already websites covering some of the most frequently asked
questions.. it is as easy for an OP to type their questions into a Google or
MSN search to find them, but some have already done this.. what they want
when they come here is a simple explanation in laymen terms, something like
a two line answer that covers all exits.. that is not going to happen in
many cases..

There has been criticism by some at the amount of websites one is directed
to by MVPs.. accusations of us not knowing are stuff are not uncommon.. so
what are we expected to do?.. type out long personalised answers addressing
each OP's specific need, no answer ever requiring any ability on the OP's
part?.. we are volunteers here, and have a life outside of offering to do
their child's school project for them.. sometimes, we just can't win..


Well, for example, John Inzer inserts a thorough and complete answer to
that eternal question, "How do I convert a Publisher file to a PDF?".
He's copying and pasting his answer as many times as it takes.

I realize you guys are volunteers! So? If you can't do it politely, skip
it.

Actually, it seems to me, just in the few days we've been discussing
this question, that people are receiving MUCH nicer answers in general!


--

Hugs, Erika
  #24  
Old January 6th, 2006, 12:01 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they should
be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to educate a
little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users into trying the
Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times, it takes more than a
'pretty please'..


You don't have to be a religious zealot to be polite. When you go in a
store and ask a question, and a gum chewing body pierced sales associate
sneers at you, it's inappropriate.

On the other hand, I certainly agree that people can be encouraged to
try things out on their own and use the help system (which is quite lame
imo).

--

Hugs, Erika
  #25  
Old January 6th, 2006, 12:02 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

JoAnn Paules [MVP] wrote:
I also believe that we need to convince people to learn something new
instead of having someone do it for them, actually *try* something instead
of saying "Can I ....?", to elevate themselves. Yes, computers have gotten
to be more user-friendly but instead of encouraging people to pick up new
skills, some people have grown lazy and expect others, who generally learned
things the old-fashion way (trial and error), to do it for them or tell them
how to do something step by step.

My personal policy is that I will teach someone how to do something. I'll
even show them two or three times but if I even get an inkling that they are
just letting me do their work, I stop. I have enough of my own work to do
without doing someone else's.


I agree with all that!

--

Hugs, Erika
  #26  
Old January 6th, 2006, 12:04 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Erika

Snippy is subjective.. if you don't like the answers that some give, add the
sender to your killfile..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"Erika" wrote in message
...
Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:
Erika

There are already websites covering some of the most frequently asked
questions.. it is as easy for an OP to type their questions into a Google
or MSN search to find them, but some have already done this.. what they
want when they come here is a simple explanation in laymen terms,
something like a two line answer that covers all exits.. that is not
going to happen in many cases..

There has been criticism by some at the amount of websites one is
directed to by MVPs.. accusations of us not knowing are stuff are not
uncommon.. so what are we expected to do?.. type out long personalised
answers addressing each OP's specific need, no answer ever requiring any
ability on the OP's part?.. we are volunteers here, and have a life
outside of offering to do their child's school project for them..
sometimes, we just can't win..


Well, for example, John Inzer inserts a thorough and complete answer to
that eternal question, "How do I convert a Publisher file to a PDF?". He's
copying and pasting his answer as many times as it takes.

I realize you guys are volunteers! So? If you can't do it politely, skip
it.

Actually, it seems to me, just in the few days we've been discussing this
question, that people are receiving MUCH nicer answers in general!


--

Hugs, Erika



  #27  
Old January 6th, 2006, 12:52 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 23:01:52 +0000, Erika wrote
(in article ):

Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they should
be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to educate a
little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users into trying
the
Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times, it takes more than a
'pretty please'..


You don't have to be a religious zealot to be polite.


You do to spout the cloud cuckoo land ******** you come out with. I've never
read such unadulterated fluffy garbage in my life.

What's the weather like on Planet Erika? Do let me know when you feel like
rejoining Planet Earth.

I never thought it possible for one person to be that saccharine. If you were
a sweet you'd be banned.

There's politeness and there's arse-wiping, suggest you learn the difference.


You're one of those happy-clappy born again idiots aren't you? I can't do
with people like you. In a minute you'll be telling me that all I need to do
is let Jesus into my life and all my problems will miraculously vanish. Xian
******** - I'm heartily sick of it. It's time you lot joined the real world.


  #28  
Old January 6th, 2006, 01:38 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Oh dear? Don't you Wiccans believe in niceness? I guess all that dancing
around the fire naked at midnight gives you a bad attitude and chapped
buttocks.

I shall pray to the Lord Ganesh to smite you.

Erika, we love you!


"Margolotta" wrote in message
. net...

You don't have to be a religious zealot to be polite.


You do to spout the cloud cuckoo land ******** you come out with. I've
never
read such unadulterated fluffy garbage in my life.

What's the weather like on Planet Erika? Do let me know when you feel like
rejoining Planet Earth.

I never thought it possible for one person to be that saccharine. If you
were
a sweet you'd be banned.

There's politeness and there's arse-wiping, suggest you learn the
difference.


You're one of those happy-clappy born again idiots aren't you? I can't do
with people like you. In a minute you'll be telling me that all I need to
do
is let Jesus into my life and all my problems will miraculously vanish.
Xian
******** - I'm heartily sick of it. It's time you lot joined the real
world.




  #29  
Old January 6th, 2006, 01:41 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Margolotta wrote:
On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 23:01:52 +0000, Erika wrote
(in article ):


Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they should
be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to educate a
little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users into trying
the
Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times, it takes more than a
'pretty please'..


You don't have to be a religious zealot to be polite.



You do to spout the cloud cuckoo land ******** you come out with. I've never
read such unadulterated fluffy garbage in my life.

What's the weather like on Planet Erika? Do let me know when you feel like
rejoining Planet Earth.

I never thought it possible for one person to be that saccharine. If you were
a sweet you'd be banned.

There's politeness and there's arse-wiping, suggest you learn the difference.


You're one of those happy-clappy born again idiots aren't you? I can't do
with people like you. In a minute you'll be telling me that all I need to do
is let Jesus into my life and all my problems will miraculously vanish. Xian
******** - I'm heartily sick of it. It's time you lot joined the real world.



You call that "thing" you have a life? Help is only a phone call away.
Just say "please"!
Frank
  #30  
Old January 6th, 2006, 02:06 AM posted to microsoft.public.publisher
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default What to Ask and How to Answer Questions

Frank

Your message is badly edited.. I was responsible for the text up to and
including 'pretty please'.. I can't and will not take credit for the rest of
it..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"fb" wrote in message
...
Margolotta wrote:
On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 23:01:52 +0000, Erika wrote
(in article ):


Mike Hall (MS-MVP) wrote:

I accept Erika's statement to a point, but if people want nice, they
should be in a Religious bookstore.. here we give advice, and try to
educate a little.. there is nothing wrong with coercing computer users
into trying the Publisher 'Insert' function themselves, and oft times,
it takes more than a 'pretty please'..


You don't have to be a religious zealot to be polite.



You do to spout the cloud cuckoo land ******** you come out with. I've
never read such unadulterated fluffy garbage in my life. What's the
weather like on Planet Erika? Do let me know when you feel like rejoining
Planet Earth. I never thought it possible for one person to be that
saccharine. If you were a sweet you'd be banned. There's politeness and
there's arse-wiping, suggest you learn the difference. You're one of
those happy-clappy born again idiots aren't you? I can't do with people
like you. In a minute you'll be telling me that all I need to do is let
Jesus into my life and all my problems will miraculously vanish. Xian
******** - I'm heartily sick of it. It's time you lot joined the real
world.


You call that "thing" you have a life? Help is only a phone call away.
Just say "please"!
Frank



 




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