 Before you post about a problem, Some simple guidelines |
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 May 10 2005, 10:33 PM
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 Forum Addict  Group: Global Moderator Posts: 19,133 Joined: 11-April 04 From: Chicago, Il. Member No.: 113  |
We all have had a computer problem or question suddenly rear its ugly head and then run to post in a forum for help from other members. A few guidelines to remember before posting will make getting help easier and faster. 1. Using a topic title that explains the problem you are having, rather than “HELP!!!!” will guide those with expertise in that area (or later, other members having a similar problem) to find your post. Members who want to help generally browse the posts in their spare time by topic titles, and are more likely to respond to a specific topic rather than waste time discovering what you are writing about or looking for a new post in an existing thread. 2. Explain your question or problem with as many details as necessary, and always mention the version of Windows and the application you are using. If there are error messages, write them EXACTLY as they appear. Try to include what you were doing when the problem occurred, and whether you made any system changes or new installations before the problem happened. Remember that, in some instances, someone trying to help you might want to replicate your problem on his own computer, or to open the application you are having problems with. Again, the problem you are having may turn out to be a symptom of something different; a complete description of the problem will often help identify those cases. 3. Include any steps you have taken already. This saves the time involved in asking you to take actions you have already done, or to suggest steps you may already have tried. 4. When you post, it makes sense to follow the rule: one problem, one post. The more problems you include in one post, the more likely the chance one or more of them will get lost or unanswered, especially if the problems require different areas of knowledge. Letting different kinds of problems be answered by members with different areas of expertise will be quicker and probably result in better responses. 5. Double check the information you are supplying. For example, the omission of one letter, or a typo, in talking about an .exe file or a program name can make a major difference resulting in time-wasting confusion or incorrect help. 6. Lastly, before hitting that POST button, take the time to read what you are posting from the point of view of someone trying to help and ask yourself, “is this as clear as I can make it?” When your problem is resolved, remember to add a final reply letting everyone know what worked; this effectively closes the thread as well as validates the solution offered. This post has been edited by scarlett: May 11 2005, 02:46 PM -------------------- Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one should be silent.
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May 11 2005, 07:41 AM
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 Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 405 Joined: 7-December 04 From: Northern California Member No.: 6,604 |
jgweed: A most helpful post, glad it is pinned. I've been guilty more than once of using an unhelpful post title and not providing a clear description of the problem, a complete description of my system, etc. The more I "lurk" here at BC, the more I understand how important it is to effectively communicate, especially when one considers that everyone here is a volunteer eager to help (and in my case learn) as much as possible.
The only thing I might add to your list, is a reference to the BC Tutorials where one might very well discover an answer to a problem (particularly with regard to malware) or at least methods to do a little self-help detective work before making that first post about the problem. -------------------- "Love to eat them mousies, mousies what I like to eat; bite they little heads off, nibble on they tiny feet". B. Kliban
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May 16 2005, 02:45 PM
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 2 Joined: 16-May 05 Member No.: 20,304 |
yes i understand that now but ive not had this pc long and being new to all this and have tryed other sites and tryed to chat to people they dont get back to you or wont help because iam new.
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Aug 14 2005, 12:38 PM
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 Member Group: Members Posts: 21 Joined: 14-August 05 From: Belfast Member No.: 31,009 |
as a new member theis will help me gratley
-------------------- "If anything goes wrong blame it on the guy who cant speak english" : Homer Simpson
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 Jun 26 2006, 02:21 PM
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 Forum Regular Group: Members Posts: 161 Joined: 26-July 05 From: Nottingham The Worlds Best City... England U.K. Member No.: 28,783 |
 How not to get Help from all these nice people here that give up valuable "FREE" time...  Make your first post like This Follow it within 24Hr's with your second Post 
This post has been edited by El_Tel: Jun 26 2006, 02:22 PM -------------------- |
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