[NOTE: There is absolutely nothing official about this post, it is an expression of my opinion and can be taken as advice I would give anyone who asked.]
In a different thread some people expressed an initial reluctance to answer questions here.
This is understandable. There are various reasons why someone might feel unequal to helping, particularly if they consider themselves a neophyte. The idea of getting it wrong is a bit intimidating, and the social ramifications of overstepping are off-putting, but I am going to suggest you should go ahead and answer anyway.
First of all, of course don't answer authoritatively if you are unsure. That's a no-brainer. Also, if you have nothing but a weak guess, that's probably not going to help. But, if you think you have a good answer, or a part of one, or even a fruitful direction to explore—particularly if no one else has responded for a while—then say something.
A disclaimer "I have limited experience with X but it seems to me..." or "I had something similar and it may not be the same but..."—you get the idea.
But there's more. One of the things that makes helping so valuable and rewarding is that it teaches you. If you think you have a possible answer, research it! Look to see if your idea has some backing on the net in other cases. Look for the details, make sure you get them right before answering.
The secret to being a wizard isn't knowing everything, it's knowing where to find the answers. It's recognizing patterns and following clues. You can do that before you answer, and often you can include sources you find with more information.
So, if you have an idea you think will be helpful, don't just sit by and keep it to yourself, say something. Say it with a disclaimer if you feel the need, say it with backing links to add more information, but go ahead and start helping, you will add a lot to this forum if you do it right.
I don't think it is necessary to add that jumping into an ongoing thread with something completely on a different track that you are not sure is helpful will not be... helpful. Supporting the current thread with more information always is.
ALSO:
#10
In a different thread some people expressed an initial reluctance to answer questions here.
This is understandable. There are various reasons why someone might feel unequal to helping, particularly if they consider themselves a neophyte. The idea of getting it wrong is a bit intimidating, and the social ramifications of overstepping are off-putting, but I am going to suggest you should go ahead and answer anyway.
First of all, of course don't answer authoritatively if you are unsure. That's a no-brainer. Also, if you have nothing but a weak guess, that's probably not going to help. But, if you think you have a good answer, or a part of one, or even a fruitful direction to explore—particularly if no one else has responded for a while—then say something.
A disclaimer "I have limited experience with X but it seems to me..." or "I had something similar and it may not be the same but..."—you get the idea.
But there's more. One of the things that makes helping so valuable and rewarding is that it teaches you. If you think you have a possible answer, research it! Look to see if your idea has some backing on the net in other cases. Look for the details, make sure you get them right before answering.
The secret to being a wizard isn't knowing everything, it's knowing where to find the answers. It's recognizing patterns and following clues. You can do that before you answer, and often you can include sources you find with more information.
So, if you have an idea you think will be helpful, don't just sit by and keep it to yourself, say something. Say it with a disclaimer if you feel the need, say it with backing links to add more information, but go ahead and start helping, you will add a lot to this forum if you do it right.
I don't think it is necessary to add that jumping into an ongoing thread with something completely on a different track that you are not sure is helpful will not be... helpful. Supporting the current thread with more information always is.
ALSO:
#10
#13Do not jump into a thread with many replies and give an answer based on reading only the original post. You will most likely end up humiliated.
One of the many problems is normally language barrier...
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