What's up with the Newbies these days

[jimbo45]

Hi all.

We ALL are quite willing to spend time and effort helping people but just recently we seem to be getting a load of the most BASIC questions from people who have only made 1 or 2 posts -- for example "My Computer won't start" or "I'm on My Dad's machine - how do I fix the UAC to allow me to use restricted sites" (thankfully that post was locked).

Could I suggest ALL new users do the following (after all we ALL started from somewhere and in those days we didn't have the myriad of tools that are available today to fix machines etc).

1) PLEASE READ THE FORUM RULES -- there's been a lot of people requesting downloads of W7 RTM (or other builds) from "Alternative sources".

2) A little bit of ELEMENTARY GOOGLING will solve a lot of problems first.

That way we can all enjoy and benefit from this great forum without having to wade through tons of stuff that doesn't really need to be posted in the first place.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[swarfega]

In my oppinion 90% of all computer problems could be solved by 1. googling, 2. looking at the program's options.

 

[Tews]

Jim, the newbs dont want to have to be bothered with such mundane things as google or forum rules... they want their issue resolved and they want you to do it ... now damnit! All kidding aside, that is the attitude of most of the new users... They have an issue that so overwhelms them, that they forget the most obvious avenues of their solution... Its our cross to bear ... just dont get lost in the bozone ...

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Without newbs posting here, we would be bored! Think about that.

 

[Dave76]

Hi all.

We ALL are quite willing to spend time and effort helping people but just recently we seem to be getting a load of the most BASIC questions from people who have only made 1 or 2 posts -- for example "My Computer won't start" or "I'm on My Dad's machine - how do I fix the UAC to allow me to use restricted sites" (thankfully that post was locked).

Could I suggest ALL new users do the following (after all we ALL started from somewhere and in those days we didn't have the myriad of tools that are available today to fix machines etc).

1) PLEASE READ THE FORUM RULES -- there's been a lot of people requesting downloads of W7 RTM (or other builds) from "Alternative sources".

2) A little bit of ELEMENTARY GOOGLING will solve a lot of problems first.

That way we can all enjoy and benefit from this great forum without having to wade through tons of stuff that doesn't really need to be posted in the first place.

Cheers
jimbo

We'll never get away from that.

I like the suggestion though, Standard Reply #1 PLEASE READ THE FORUM RULES and #2 The basics ELEMENTARY GOOGLING

They need to get educated somewhere, a few will learn from these two replies, most won't.

 

[brummyfan]

Hi Jim, I fully understand your concerns but the new members do panic and get frustrated with themselves when they encounter any problems may be because of several reasons. They may be a 13 yr old trying to repair messed up laptop before Dad comes home from outstation, may be an elderly person who got frustrated with all these jargons.
I know it is painful for you guys who have worked in this field for a long time to explain everything from very basic and obvious to newbies.
All you can do is, to be patient and help them as possible as you can.

 

[nate42nd]

I have been here for months and I'm still asking basic questions. I sometimes think it's easier to just ask here if I have already "googled" and still can't find the answer.

I have helped people too. I think it's great to be able to have a place you can get help and also help the "newbies"

 

[Martin]

people is just lazy, I include myself. I dont mind people asking over and over again, but what I hate is, gettin problem solved and going away, no more post, no most active member.

Is bad I say this, cuz I dont post a lot on forum, which I like to read

 

[nate42nd]

People sure is lazy

 

[aem]

It's easy, if you don't feel like answering a question, move on to the next question or just don't reply. I think you're just exhausted with the amount of replies you make. Just take a break if you feel like it's too much.

For myself, i have asked heaps and that's cos i'm new to this virtualisation thingie. I think Kari hates me cos of the dual monitor issues but hey don't be haten Kari...it's just the interweb.

I'm now about to finish my virtualisation journey so where to next?

 

[1Bowtie]

Just an observation i've seen over and over. You take the time to explain how to fix a problem and you never know whether he or she tried it, if it work, got worse, or what. If a person takes the time and effort to help, please post a reply and let know the outcome. Just my 2 cents

Smitty

 

[Antman]

So, what is the consensus?

Is "Google is your friend" and/or "Let me Google that for you" an acceptable response?

 

[Tews]

I like LMGTFY .. it gets the noob in the habit of using google first, but sends a subtle message at the same time ... multitasking.. I like it!!

 

[zigzag3143]

you could always say let me google that for you then give them the google link. It all goes back to how much responsibility must they take. I think it varies by the level and language of the OP

 

[TeenerTim]

i 2 lzy

 

[zigzag3143]

i 2 lzy

me 2

 

[Tews]

i 2 lzy

Aint it the truth ... Bozone Alert!!!

 

[zigzag3143]

Nah

He is a bozone wannbe, in training.

 

[TheSchaft]

We are here to learn and help, hopefully.

It's always easier to ask than to research, and as was said back a few posts, some folks are either in a bind or just frustrated.

I think we should try to help, with as little sarcasm as possible. Giving links is often a big help, and sometimes all that's needed.

I would hate to see this turn into something like the Perl forums were years back when Larry Wall's standard comment seemed to be "RTFM you idiot and stop bothering us superior beings!" (or words to that effect.)

A final thought - a lot of folks will see this forum as a place to go get some information and then get on with their life. It isn't anything against anyone here, its more like asking at an Information kisok and walking away.

 

[TeenerTim]

Actually I have 25 years in the PC business, started using Windows with version 1.3, have worked for Computer Associates and Hewlett-Packard in Silicon Valley, asked only one question, and have helped others in my brief time here. Mostly I read. Hell, yesterday I spent two hours reading every post in the "Show us you desktop" thread.