+user13371 Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 (edited) Okay, I admit it - I'm a mean-spirited b@str@d sometimes, and I don't always answer in the kindest way. Espeically when I've had too much or not enough coffee. But I'm working on it, really. So, when a newbie sent me a PM today asking only "Can you give me some tips on my new GPS?" I took a deep breath and replied: Nah, I don't have that model -- besides, "tips" is an awfully broad area. Here's the one "tip" I can give you; not about the GPS itself though: The general etiquette around here is that if you have a specific question, try Google and the search function on the Groundspeak forums first. If you can't find the answer on your own that way, ask a specific question in the forums and someone is sure to answer. Just beware of the crunchy frog! http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=156921 Too harsh? Too polite? Edited September 21, 2008 by lee_rimar Quote Link to comment
+WRITE SHOP ROBERT Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 I don't know if it was too much one way or the other. I think I wouldn't have included the part about ettiquitte, both because I'm not sure I agree, and I also think it's bordering on the rude side. It's a well worded statement, but if you look at ways it could be read, is it really saying "don't bother me with these questions, I don't want to help you" one could just as easily point someone towards the forums without making it seem like they were being a hassle. "I'm sorryI can't be more helpful, but there are many people in the forums that will be able to give you lots of advice". I agree that just asking for "Tips" is so vague that it can't really be answered. I've been posting Trucking videos on YouTube, and I get people asking the same thing. "I'm just about to start my training for the truck license, do you have any tips for me?" Wher to even start, I have no idea what knowledge base you already have soI couls waste a week telling you things you already know. Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 i think it's fine. i am not famous for my gentleness. Quote Link to comment
+Colonial Cats Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 Yes, too harsh. Some newbies are just overwhelmed and do not know what to ask. An unpleasant reply to their question, no matter how accurate, may keep the newbie from going to the forums in the future, or may even sour him on geocaching. I believe we should direct these newbies to the appropriate reference materials, such as the "Idiot's Guide to Geocaching" instead of giving a rude answer that does not further his knowledge. Quote Link to comment
+SgtSue Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 To harsh, for whatever reason someone thought you would know. You could have pointed them to a place or person who could help. Do you not know someone with that model? Local forums that are less intimidating? Or invite them to a local even where "someone there must know" would have been nicer. You could have even just pointed them to the GPS and Technology category and told them to start with a specific question they are unsure of. If you are working on it, maybe a second post explaining how you should know better than to answer a question before coffee and direct them to a place that can help. Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Newbies can get the wrong idea on how to do things. The pointer was fine and answer was honest. Some people are just too sensitive for their own good. Quote Link to comment
+WRASTRO Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 I think I would have started out with something along the lines of "thanks for thinking enough of me to ask" and then pointed them in whatever direction. Quote Link to comment
+Kohavis Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 When I first started here there were many patient, helpful people who replied to my dumb questions with good answers. I remember them, and how much they helped Everyone was a newbie once. Something we forget sometimes. Quote Link to comment
+hairball45 Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Being kind to new folks here is done just the same way as it is when a new person joins you at work, or someone new shows up at your place of worship or your social club. You say "Hi, I'm hairball (or whatever). Glad to see you here. Got any questions I'll try to answer them for you." If you don't feel comfortable doing that, don't bother to say anything. If you tell the new guy something rude or harsh when he or she asks you something chances are it will come back on you someday. My $.02 worth. hairball Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 A little on the rude side of life........ Just point to a resource and leave it be. No need for the side comments. Quote Link to comment
+Colonial Cats Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Newbies can get the wrong idea on how to do things. The pointer was fine and answer was honest. Some people are just too sensitive for their own good. You hurt my feelings. Quote Link to comment
+Guinness70 Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 (edited) the gps question has only been asked and answered 1000 times.. and stil counting. search and read ild say. asking AFTER buying a GPS ... too late READING BEFORE buying a GPS ...smart still wondering why all these threads about GPS receivers are being moved from GPS and Technology to Getting Started and Geocaching Topics . Have those moderators gone mad ??? Edited September 22, 2008 by Guinness70 Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Being kind to new folks here is done just the same way as it is when a new person joins you at work, or someone new shows up at your place of worship or your social club. You say "Hi, I'm hairball (or whatever). Glad to see you here. Got any questions I'll try to answer them for you." If you don't feel comfortable doing that, don't bother to say anything. If you tell the new guy something rude or harsh when he or she asks you something chances are it will come back on you someday. My $.02 worth. hairball Some of you are missing the point of course. The newb sent a PM. If it is in the forums, there is a valid expectation of being helped by those willing to do so. Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Newbies can get the wrong idea on how to do things. The pointer was fine and answer was honest. Some people are just too sensitive for their own good. You hurt my feelings. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Okay, I admit it - I'm a mean-spirited b@str@d sometimes, and I don't always answer in the kindest way. Espeically when I've had too much or not enough coffee. But I'm working on it, really. So, when a newbie sent me a PM today asking only "Can you give me some tips on my new GPS?" I took a deep breath and replied: Nah, I don't have that model -- besides, "tips" is an awfully broad area. Here's the one "tip" I can give you; not about the GPS itself though: The general etiquette around here is that if you have a specific question, try Google and the search function on the Groundspeak forums first. If you can't find the answer on your own that way, ask a specific question in the forums and someone is sure to answer. Just beware of the crunchy frog! http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=156921 Too harsh? Too polite? A tad smarmy, perhaps not too harsh, but in no danger of being too nice. Quote Link to comment
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