Are we truly "Eager to help"

Question

This question was prompted by this one.

At first glance I agreed that this looked like a horrible question with a lack of detail, then I recalled the initial slideshow when a new user installs Ubuntu and the phrase about askubuntu.com being a place with "thousands of volunteers who are eager to help". I did a quick search on the limited information provided and discovered it was a bug. Then I dug a bit deeper and found what looked like the root cause. I was then able to provide what I think is a viable solution.

So are we getting in the habit of being a bit too harsh on the n00bs? We were all there once, even if it was decades ago.

Answer 1

Yes:

We can be far too harsh on those who lack the background and ability to ask a good question. We should expend the effort required to provide this help to those in need as we wouldn't be here if we weren't "Eager to help"

Answer 2

Yes and no.

It depends on the case.

I agree that many people here (and I can't exclude myself) are rather clicking the downvote/close/delete button and moving on instead of attempting a long comment discussion to pull all the required information out of OP's nose, especially if they are not masters at the relevant topic and already have an idea what could be the problem.

This is not as nice as we could be in a perfect world, of course, but please bear in mind that (although some of us have amazing stats which might make one believe this) we are no machines. We're all just humans that can't sit in front of their computer all day to offer free online support. We have basic needs like sleeping and eating, and most of us have a job and must go to work. Some guys here might even have hobbies ( ;D ). In other words, our time is limited and we want to use it efficiently.

So it is not that useful to invest too much time into improving a bad question to a level which makes it answerable, if there isn't at least a subtle sign that the OP is willing to contribute and provide requested information as well as follow the advice we give them.

From my point of view, if the OP does not show at least a basic effort to...

1. try researching on the internet first (Google, DuckDuckGo, whatever)
2. check the site's rules and standards (at least taking the tour would be nice) and act accordingly
3. formulate a understandable question (no need for correct Oxford English, just understandable please)
4. provide obviously relevant information
5. describe what they already tried to solve the problem

... it's likely to get a tough troubleshooting session, involving much conversation, asking the same things over and over again, until the problem can be solved. In that time, one might have been able to answer three other questions or do something else useful.

Oh, and regarding point 5: I am allergic to phrases like

I already searched the web and tried all possible solutions.

No, of course you have not. Otherwise you pretty surely would have found one that also works in your case. So either you didn't search at all and just want to make us believe you showed some effort, you only did a superficial research (like skimming through the top five results of one query), or - which is very unlikely - you indeed have a problem nobody else has faced yet or was able to solve it. But in that last case, we're unlikely to be able to help you either. Therefore all attempts and steps should be listed in detail, at least after that gets requested in comments.

To conclude, I would like to say again that in some cases, we should really try to invest some more time ad effort into helping new users that show the will to communicate with us as well as they can and to cooperate in order to fix the problem. If the question style gives one the impression that the opposite is likely to happen though, I can totally understand to drop that question and move on. There are buttons to downvote, close or delete bad posts for a reason.

Answer 3

Yes, especially me..

As a passionate Ubuntu/Linux user, I am always wanting to help another individual. Along the way, I learn things about Ubuntu/Linux and the community. That's why I'm on AskUbuntu. (Also when I need help too.) I am always willing to help.

Answer 4

Yes! Very Much!!

I believe we should always assume that a new user knows nothing at all.

I believe we shouldn't care about the prettiness of questions on AU than to give personal help to people through their questions. (then later we can burn their questions if we wanted).

I believe that any question of any type no matter how ugly can always "be modified to fit the rules" by requesting more information from the asker or by editing it.

I believe that "you don't have to do anything". Meaning; you saw a question you know the answer to but you don't want to answer it. Just don't. So what. Maybe you can give the asker some link in a comment and that's it.

This one might sound strange but I believe that asking a good question isn't easy!! It's like writing a homework essay and getting a full-mark. Normally a question should have problems and we fix them. (either request information or edit).

I believe that even using AU isn't as easy for some people as others. Some people don't find it very intuitive as others. Users should be given enough time to learn.

I believe that we rarely have the right to criticize a user for asking a question.

Answer 5

I can read a question where the t's weren't crossed and the i's weren't dotted and still figure it out. Some times I have a very good hunch and ask for clarification via comment.

But some I've noticed are very quick to invoke the guillotine.

Conversely I've gone through queue review tests and an answer posted by a star was a little to trite or confusing and I suggested via comment that a detailed example or sample code using OP's question would be helpful and I was crucified for "daring to post a comment" on a high level answer ("this was just a test and you failed. LOOK, LISTEN and LEARN!!!!").

Does this has anything to do with Oli's going off the deep end (as linked in AU general chat room last night) with someone wanting to delete their AU account over perceived persecution?

I'm not a dead saint who's history is unknown and therefore can be painted as perfect by the church, but as a living person I try to be helpful and understanding but like everyone else is subject to overwhelming stress at times and making bad snap decisions.

There is no undelete key for the internet shrugs

Answer 6

I regard myself as NON-Technical...

FYI, am not newbie, long ago serious brain injuries damaged my memory, ever since frequently loose access to memory, so often forget things.

Example faces and names of family/friends/relatives, frequently my brain refuses my access to the linked information there !

Learning constantly is part of my life... if do not regularly do things, my memory disappears... to be re-learnt :-@

Am sure most who post are doing best they can at the time...

IMHO we all best help others who ask what we can answer, and encourage them to learn a little more...

Answer 7

No We are sick and tired of answering questions that don't meet the bare minimum requirements of research and self-repair attempts for those who can't seem to find any information that isn't on their facebook page. We wish they would at least read the how to ask page before having the temerity to interrupt our sessions at the water cooler. Or failing that at least take the tour and read the Code of Conduct.