How friendly is too friendly?

DragonSlayer48DX · 04-07-2009, 08:37 PM

When you're trying to help a newbie, can it 'legally' reach the point where it's ok to say, "I'm not walking 1200 miles to hold your hand. Go back over the last three pages of this thread, do everything I've already told you, and tell me, step-by-step, exactly what happens!"

Gets a little frustrating when you research someone's problem, give them a list of what to do, and they reply with, "I tried [#6] and it didn't do anything". Especially when you're into the second or third DAY...

MS3FGX · 04-07-2009, 08:43 PM

At that point I would usually just quietly back out of the discussion.

One of the great things about LQ is that there are a lot of really knowledgeable people here from basically every discipline of Linux and OSS; if you cannot (or chose not to, this isn't a job after all) to help a person, somebody else certainly will.

DragonSlayer48DX · 04-07-2009, 08:49 PM

You're right, I know. But at the same time I'm getting frustrated, I don't want to leave them stranded once I've started, especially when nobody else has chimed in. Maybe that's still a better choice...

alfplayer · 04-07-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

and tell me, step-by-step, exactly what happens!

This is the issue, a lot of things "happens" but the expert knows what is relevant, how to filter out what is important.

Maybe someone else can tell if he is missing something. Starting over may be the best option depending on the case.

DCOH · 04-07-2009, 08:59 PM

And sometimes you would just like to smack them up side there head to get there attention.

DragonSlayer48DX · 04-07-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCOH

And sometimes you would just like to smack them up side there head to get there attention.

Oh, yes... If only I could reach that far. hehehe

pixellany · 04-08-2009, 06:34 AM

I share your pain...

Not everyone knows how to use this medium---where we cannot see the body language that helps interpret to actual words. This applies both the the helpers and helpees......

I am particularly frustrated by the person that posts a question--sometimes reacts to some of the follow-up--and then just disappears. Many of these of course are just dilettantes, and some simply have no manners.

And then there is the group that sees us as a homework service....

Crito · 04-08-2009, 08:45 AM

Just tell 'em to RTFM

In a very %@#$in' polite and professional %@#$in' manner, of %@#$in' course.