Ask the wisdom
Author:
Eric Steven Raymond
Thyrsus Enterprises
Rick Moen
Revision History Revision 3.0 February 2, 2004 ESR mainly increases the etiquette content of the web forum
original:
How to ask questions the smart way
Translation: Wang Gang
YAFRK@yahoo.com>
Time: May 20, 2004
content
Translation
Abandonment
Introduction
Before question
Question
Carefully choose the forum
The newcomer's web forum and the Internet relay (IRC) general response is the fastest response
Step 2, use the project mailing list
Use meaning, clear theme
Make it more easy to reply
Use clear, grammar, spelling the correct statement
Question with easy-to-understand format
Description issues should be accurate and content
Many written is accurate
Don't say that the software has a bug
Low voice, I can't do what I should do.
Describe the symptoms of the problem, not your guess
Describe the problem symptoms in chronological order
Expression target instead of the step of this
Don't call others to give you a letter
Asking questions should be clear
Don't ask what you have resolved
Cropped meaningless problem
Even if the problem is really "urgent" for you, don't deliberately
Polite is always harmless, sometimes it will help
Add a brief description of the problem of problem
How to interpret answer
"RTFM" and "STFW": How to know that you have completely
If you don't understand ...
Rude
Don't react like a loser
Ask questions
Good problem with bad problems
If you can't get an answer
How to answer questions more helpfully
related resources
Thank you
Translation
Translation: Czech, Danish, Estonian, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish. If you want to copy, mirror, translate or quote this article, see Replication Notes.
Abandonment
The website of many projects has linked this article in the part of how to help, this is good, and it is also what we want. But if you are a network management that generates this link, please indicate a significant location near the link "We are not the service desk of the project!"
We have suffered the pain that does not have this explanation, which is constantly being harassed by some idiots. They believe that since we published this article, then we have a responsibility to solve all technical problems in the world!
If you read this article because you need help, then you can leave the impression of helping the author of this article, you are unfortunate to become one of those idiots. Don't ask us, we won't pay attention. We are just to explain how to achieve help from those who really know your hardware and software issues, we will not be those people. Unless you are sure that this artor is an expert in you, please don't bother, so everyone is more happy.
Introduction
In the world of hackers, the answer to the technical problem is largely depends on the way you ask questions and the difficulty of solving this problem. This article will teach you how to ask for a satisfactory reply.
Open source procedures have been widely used, you can usually answer from other more experienced users rather than hackers. This is a good thing, they generally tolerate the nephew. Using the method we introduced like a hacker to treat these experienced users, usually can get the most effectively answer questions.
The first thing you need to understand is a good problem for hackers like puzzles and stimulating thinking. If this is not the case, we will not be here. If you can make an interesting question, let us chew the taste, we will be grateful. A good question is to organize and gifts to help us develop awareness and reveal the problem that there is no attention or thinking. In the hacker, "Good Question!" Is a very sincere thumbs up.
In addition, hackers have a reputation of hostile or arrogant and simple and simple, sometimes we look at the newcomers and stupid guys have conditional reflex, but they don't really do this. We are just unfolding people who don't want to think about those who should do what they should do if they apologize. This kind of person is like a black hole, they only know getting, do not want to pay. They waste time, which can be used for other people who are more worth answering and more interesting. We call this kind of person "Loser" (due to historical reasons, we sometimes "lusers")
We note that many people just want to use the software we write, they are not interested in learning technology details. For most people, the computer is just a tool, which is a means of achieving the purpose. They have more important things to do with life. We admit this and never expect everyone to interested in these technical issues. However, the style of our answers is for those who are interested in this truly and willing to actively participate in problems, this will not change, and it should not change. If this has changed, we will no longer be so sharp in things you can do.
We (mostly) is volunteers, answering questions from their busy life, sometimes they will not be heart. Therefore, we will ruthlessly filter out questions, especially those who look like a loser, in order to more efficiently give the questions to those "winners"
If you think this kind of attitude is annoying, deliberately Quiz or arrogantly, please check your hypothesis, we did not ask you to succumb to - in fact, if you do what you have made make it possible, we are Most people are happy to communicate with you and welcome you to accept our culture. Trying to help those who don't want to save, there is no efficiency to us. I don't know how to do it, but I can't act stupid.
So, you don't have to be able to attract our attention in technology, but you must express your posture that can guide you - awareness, thinking, good at observation, is willing to actively participate in the problem. If you can't do this, you can't make you different things, we recommend that you pay for someone to sign a business service contract, rather than ask hackers to help help.
If you decide to help us, you don't want to be a loser, you don't want to look like a loser. The best way to get a quick and effective reply is to make the questioner look like a smart, confident person, and implied that just happens to help on a special issue.
(Welcome to this article, it can be recommended to ESR@thyrsus.com. Please note that this article does not want to be a general network etiquette guide, I usually refuse to reply non-special relevant recommendations used in the technical forum)
Before question
Before making technical problems by email, newsgroups or web forums:
Try to search for the web page to find the answer to read the manual to find the answer to read the common problem (FAQ) document to find the answer to try yourself check or trial to find the answer to try the answer to a friend to find the answer If you are a programmer, try to read the source code Find an answer
When you ask questions, please express you what you have done, which will help to build you are not the impression of parasites and waste others. It is best to express anything you have learned from it, we like to answer those who express their ability to learn things from answers.
With any error message you have encountered with Google (Search for the Search for Search), you may find the document or mailing list of the problem directly. Even if there is no result, it is also a good thing in the email or newsgroups. "I checked the following sentence in Google, but I didn't find any useful things."
Think thoroughly, ready for your problem. Overseas questions can only get a rash answer or not. When you ask questions, the more you show your thoughts and work hard to solve the problem, the greater the possibility of getting practical help.
Be careful not to make a wrong problem. If you ask the wrong hypothesis, a certain hacker will want to "stupid problems ..." while replying to you while using the answers followed by the question, and hope that this is just a literal answer rather than really needs to help you a lesson. . Never assume that you have qualified to get a reply. You have not, after all, you didn't pay for this service. If you can raise high quality, interesting and motivation - that there is no doubt that you can contribute to the community, not just negatively requiring problems from others, you will "earn" the answer.
On the other hand, it shows that you can also be happy to participate in the problem. "Does anyone refer to the direction?" "" What is this still leak? "" "What website should I check?" I usually more than "The full step I can use" is easier to reply, because you show As long as someone can refer to you, you will be happy to complete the rest of the process.
Question
Carefully choose the forum
To pay attention to where you ask, if you do the following things, most of them will be submitted or seen as "loser":
Posted with the forum theme completely unrelated questions on the forum for advanced technical issues, or against it. At that too many different newsgroups, cross-posted to neither nothing is not obliged to solve your personal email.
For the way to protect the channels, there is nothing to be submerged, and the hacker will remove those problems that have not been found, you won't want this experience.
So the first step is to find a forum. Google and other search engines are still your friends, use them to search for websites with your hardware and software issues that have encountered difficulties. It usually has a common problem (FAQ) list, mailing list, and other documents. If your efforts (including reading common question documents) have no results, these mailing lists are where they finally achieve help.
Mail to an unfamiliar person or forum may be in adventure. For example, don't assume a message-rich web page author wants to be your free consultant, don't be able to do optimistic about whether you will be welcome - if you are not sure, send an email to elsewhere or not busy.
When choosing a web forum, newsgroups, or mailing lists, don't trust your name, first look at the common problem documentation or other chapters to clarify whether your problem is related to its topic. Look at the post before you look at the post you can help you feel the way you do. In fact, the keywords for searching for questions in the newsgroup or mailing list before posting are a good idea, and may find the answer. Even if you don't, you can also help you organize better problems.
Make your theme! One of the most typical errors is to raise questions about the operating system program interface in some language, libraries or tools that are derived from Unix and Windows platforms. If you don't understand why this is a big mistake, it is best to ask if you know what you know.
Typically, the same problem is more likely to get useful reply than in private forums. There are many reasons to support this, one is to see how much potential responses, the second is to see how many participants in the forum. Hackers are more willing to answer questions that can inspire most people.
It can be understood that the author of the old hacker and some popular software is receiving improper news that exceeds their ability. Just like the stray of the strain, you can joh, your joys may make the situation to extreme - a few times, some of the autonomy of some popular software quits support for its software, because accompanying A large number of useless messages that flock to their private email become unbearable.
The newcomer's web forum and the Internet relay (IRC) general response is the fastest response
Your local user organization or the Linux distribution you use may be promoting a pages forum or IRC channel for novice (in non-English countries, novice forums are generally email), these places are good place to ask questions, especially when You don't think it is just a simple or general problem. The propaganda IRC channel is a place where an open invitation is, usually a reply in real time.
In fact, if the problem starts due to the release of the release (recently common), it is best to ask in the project forum or list before the program, (otherwise) the organ hacker may only respond "with us" program of"
Take a look at whether there is search function before any web forum posted. If so, try to search for several keywords to search, maybe it is helpful. If you have done a comprehensive web search (you should do this), you should search for the forum, the search engine has recently not indexed all the contents of this forum. User supported by web forums or IRC channels supports growth trends, and email exchanges are reserved for developers. First seek assistance with the project in the web forum or IRC channel.
Step 2, use the project mailing list
Check the documentation and home page of the project, find the item mailing list and use it. When there is a list of developer mailing, even if you think you know who can answer questions, you have to ask questions instead of individuals. With this strategy, there are several good reasons:
Any good question to a single developer will also be valuable for the entire project group. Instead, if you think your own problem is too stupid to the entire project group, this cannot be an excuse to bothering a single developer. Ask the list, you can balance the burden of the developer, a single developer (especially project leader) may be too busy to answer your question. Most mailing lists have historical documents and are indexed by the search engine. Others can find your questions and answers via web search and no need to ask again in the mailing list. If some questions are often asked, developers can use this information to improve documents or software itself makes it clearer. If it is just private questions, no one can see the full scene of the most common problem.
If a project has both "users" also have "developers" (or "hacker") mailing list or web forum, and you don't play with those code, ask the "User" list or forum. Don't assume that you will be popular in the developer list, and those people will suffer your noise interference.
If you are convinced that you have encountered an unsatisfactory problem, and there is no reply in the "User" list or forum, you can try the "Developer" list or forum. It is recommended that you prefer a few days before posting, you can understand the way it's a few days (in fact, this is a good suggestion for participating in any private or half private list)
If you can't find a list of items, you only check the address of the project maintor, just send it to it. Even in this case, don't assume (item) the mailing list does not exist. In your email, you have already tried but did not find the right mailing list, but also mention that you don't reverse your news to others (many people think that private emails should not be disclosed. By allowing you to forward your email to the selection of your email by allowing your email.
Use meaning, clear theme
In the mailing list, newsgroup, or web forum, the theme is your gold opportunity to attract qualified experts within 50 or less characters, don't use such as "Please help me" (more don't know more "please help I !!!! ", this topic message will be wasted opportunities such as criticism), or use your painful depth to touch us. Instead, you have to use a super concise suggestion in this space.
A good practice for using the topic is "object - deviation", and many technical support organizations do this. In the "Object" section, which one or which is a problem with the "deviation" section, it describes the place where the expected behavior is inconsistent.
silly:
Help! My notebook video is not working!
clever:
Xfree86 4.1 Twisted Mouse Cursor, a graphics card MV1005 type chipset
smarter:
The mouse cursor of Xfree86 4.1 using a graphics card MV1005 model chipset is distorted
Writing the "Object - Deviation" process will help you organize your questions more specifically. What is affected? Is it just a mouse cursor or other graphics? Is it in Xfree86? Or just in its version 4.1? Is it for a graphics card? Or is it just its MV1005 type chipset? A hacker can immediately understand what you have encountered, what is your own problem. More generally, imagine finding only document indexes that display the topic. Let your theme better reflect the problem, you can make the next search similar to those who can find the clues of the answer directly in the document without having to post checked.
If you want to ask questions in reply, make sure to change the theme to indicate that you are asking a question, an alarm image of "Re: Test" or "Re: New Bug" is unlikely to attract enough attention. At the same time, it will be deleted from the reference content that is not very relevant to the new topic in reply.
For list messages, don't click Reply (buttons) to start a new clue, which will limit your viewers. Some email readers, such as MUTT, allow users to sequencing and hide messages by folding clues, and those who do will never see the news you sent.
Light change theme is not enough. MUTT and other mail readers also have other mail headers other than the topic to specify clues, so I would rather send a new message.
In the web forum, because the message is closely combined with a specific clue and is usually unasible in the clue, a good questioning method is slightly different. By replying to ask questions do not have to change the subject (some forums don't even allow the separation themes in response, and this is basically no one will go to see). By replying to ask questions itself is a doubtful approach because they are only seen by people from this clue. So, unless you just want to ask questions in the currently active population of the clue, it is still better.
Make it more easy to reply
Taking "please ... reply" to end the problem will make you no answer. If you feel that it takes a few seconds to set the reply address in the mail client, we also feel that it takes a few seconds to consider your problem. If your mail client program does not support this, change it. If the operating system does not support all such mail client programs, it is also better.
In the web forum, you are required to be completely rude by email, unless you believe that the message you believe is confidential (and some people will only let you know the answer for some kind of unknown reason). If you want to get an email reminder when someone will reply to the clue, you can ask forum to send. Almost all forums provide functions such as "paying attention to this clue", "have reply sending mail".
Use clear, grammar, spelling the correct statement
Experience tells us that the authors of careless and grassroots are often careless and programmed to be compared with grassroots (I bet). There is nothing benefit to answer these careless and grass rate, we would rather spend time in other places.
It is very important to express your problem clearly. If you feel this trouble, we also feel that you pay attention (your question). Troubled for a little bit of words, it is not too stiff and formal - in fact, hacker culture looks highly to accurately use informal, slang, and humorous statements. But it must be very accurate, and there are signs that you are thinking and paying attention to issues.
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation and case. Don't confuse "ITS" to "IT's", "LOOSE" to make "LOSE" or make "discrete" into "discreet". Don't use your uppercase, this will be seen as a rude loud noise (all lowercases are fine, because you can't read .alan Cox [Note: Important participants in the famous hacker, Linux kernel] may be doing this, but you Not on.
In general, if you write a fool like a half can, you will not pay attention. If you write doodles like a child, it is definitely looking for death, you can definitely accept you (or to give you a lot of accusations and suffering).
If you ask questions in the non-native language forum, your spelling and grammar errors will get limited tolerance, but lazy is not tolerated (yes, we usually look at the difference). At the same time, unless you know the language used by the replies, please write English. Busy hackers generally delete messages that they don't understand the language. In the Internet, English is a working language. Writing English can be deleted directly from reading in English. Question with easy-to-understand format
If you have difficulty reading the problem, it will be ignored, and people are more willing to read the problems, so:
Use text rather than hypertext annotation language (closing hypertext labeling language is not difficult) The accessories of multi-purpose Internet mail extensions (MIME) are usually no problem, but just when there is real content (such as the source file or patch), Not only the template generated by the mail client program (such as a copy of the message). Do not send the whole segment just a single row sentence but multiple folded mail (this makes it difficult to reply some of the content). Imagine your readers are reading the email at 80 characters wide text terminals, setting up your return point less than 80 columns. However, do not fold back data (such as log files or session records directly transmitted). The data should be included, so that the replies are confident that he can see exactly the same as you see. In the English Forum, don't send messages using 'quoted-printable' mime encoding. This encoding may be necessary for posted non-ASCII languages, but many mail agents are not supported. When they are allocated, the "= 20" symbols of those texts in the text are difficult to distract. Never expect the hackers to read the documentation using the dedicated format of Word or Excel, such as Microsoft, the reaction of most hackers, is like someone will still fall in a hot pig manure in your entrance. Even if they can handle, they are also disgusted. If you send an email from the computer using the window, turn off the Microsoft stupid "Smart Reference" feature to avoid spreading the spam everywhere. In the web forum, do not abuse the "emoticon" and "hypertext label language" function (when they provide). One or two emoticons usually have no problems, but the fancy color text tends to make people think that you are a useless person. Overgrare, emotions, colors and fonts will make you look like a smirk girl. This is usually not a good idea, unless you are more interested, not useful.
If you use the mail client program of the graphical user interface (such as the Messenger, Microsoft's Outlook, or other similar), pay attention to the default configurations do not necessarily satisfy these requirements. Most such programs have a menu-based "View Source Code" command that uses it to check the message you send in the folder to ensure that the sending text file is not available.
Description issues should be accurate and content
Carefully, clearly describe the environmental description of the symptoms of the problem (host, operating system, application, any related), provide vendor's distribution and version number (such as "Fedora Core 1", "Slackware 9.1", etc. ) Describe the research and understanding of it before the question. Description The diagnostic step taken before the question is determined. Description Recent changes in the computer or software configuration.
Do your best to predict the problems mentioned by hackers and prepare your answers in advance.
Simon Tatham wrote an article called how effective reporting a bug, I strongly recommend reading.
Many written is accurate
You should (write) accurate and content, this goal is not simply piled up a lot of code or data in the message, if you have a big and complex test sample to let the program crash, try The smaller it, the smaller it is.
Doing so at least three reasons. First, let others see that you are trying to simplify the problem, making you more likely to get a reply. Second, simplify the problem makes you more likely to get useful reply. Third, in the process of purifying the bug report, you may find a solution or power to solve the problem.
Don't say that the software has a bug
When you encounter problems in a software, unless you are very, very good, don't claim to discover the bug. Tip: Unless you can provide the source code patch to solve the problem, or you can completely determine the incorrect behavior of the previous version of the regression test. Remember, there are many other users who have not experienced the problems you encounter, otherwise you should find it when you read a document or web search (you have already done these before complaining, right?). This also means that it is likely to make a mistake rather than the software itself.
People who write software are usually very hard to make it perfect as possible. If you claim to find a bug, you also hinted what they did wrong, and this almost always made people unhappy - even if you are right, calling "Bug" in the theme is also especially not very excited.
When you ask questions, even if you have confident that a real bug has been found, it is best to write something wrong. If there is a bug, you will see this in the reply. In this case, if there is a bug defender, it will apologize to you, this is always better than you, then I owe others an apology.
Low voice, I can't do what I should do.
Some people understand that they should not act rude or arrogantly and ask for a reply, but they retired to the opposite whispering extreme, "I know that I am just nothing, I don't understand the loser, but ...". This has no help from people, and it is especially angry when accompanied by ambiguous description of practical problems.
Don't waste your time with the strategy of low-level primate. On the contrary, try to clearly express the background facts and your questions, which is better than whispering.
Sometimes, the web forum has a separate beginner question area. If you really think that you have encountered a shallow problem, it is going to go, but you don't drink.
Describe the symptoms of the problem, not your guess
Tell hackers what you think is, it is usually not used (if your diagnostic theory is a great thing, will you consult other people?). So, make sure just tell the original symptoms of the problem, rather than your explanation and theory, let them explain and diagnose. If you think that your guess is important, clearly explain that this is just your guess and describes why they don't work.
silly:
I received a SIG11 error while compiling the kernel. I doubt the wire break of a role in the motherboard. What is the best way to find them?
clever:
I am assembled K6 / 233 CPU, FIC-PA2007 motherboard (VIA APOLLO VP2 chipset), Corsair PC133 SDRAM 256MB memory computer recently opened 20 minutes after boot, frequently reported SIG11 wrong when the kernel compile, but at the head 20 minutes Need from problems. Restarting the clock cannot be reset, but it can be turned off all night. Replace all memory is not resolved, and the related typical compile session log is attached.
Describe the problem symptoms in chronological order
What happened before the problem is just a problem that has the most effective clues to solve the problem. Therefore, you should accurately describe what you and your computer have made collapse. In the case of command line processing, there is a session log (such as run scripting tools to generate) and quote related several (such as 20) row records is very helpful.
If the crash has a diagnostic option (such as the -v Details option), carefully consider selecting these options to increase the misunderstanding information in the record.
If your record is very long (such as more than four), you may be more useful in the order of the time in the beginning. Doing so, the hacker knows what the content should be found when reading your record.
Expression target instead of the step of this
If you want to figure out how to do something (instead of reporting a bug), you will describe your goals at the beginning, which will also describe the problems encountered here.
There is often this situation, and people seeking technical help have a higher-level goal in their heads. They have been stuck on a specific road that they can reach the goal, and then I will run, but I don't realize it. There is a problem with this road itself, and the cost is very strong. silly:
How can I get the color pickup of a graphic program get a hexadecimal RGB value?
clever:
I am trying to replace a picture color table with the color of my own selected value, and the only way I now know is to edit each table, but I can't get a graphic color pickup to get a hexadecimal RGB value. .
The second proposed method is wise, which makes it possible to suggest a more suitable tool to complete the task.
Don't call others to give you a letter
If the hacker thinks that the problem is disclosed, transparent, if more talented people notice if there is incomplete or wrong, the initial reply can also be corrected. At the same time, as a reply is also seen by other peers because of the ability and knowledge of the ability and learning.
This process and return is aborted when you ask for private reply. Don't do this, let the replies to decide whether to answer privately - if he really did it, usually because he believes that the problem is too bad or the midprint is meaningless.
There is a limited exception to this rule. If you believe that the question may lead to a lot of minority reply, then "send me an email, I will summarize these replies for the group" will be a magical sentence. Trying to save the mailing list or newsgroup from the flood-like reply, it is very polite - but you should keep promise.
Asking questions should be clear
There is no clear boundaries that are generally considered to have no clear limit. The most likely to give you a useful reply, is usually the busiest person (if they only bear most of the work), these people are extremely sensitive to the black hole without clear restrictions, so they also tend to have no clear boundaries. Extremely sensitive.
If you clarify what you want to make a replies (such as pointing direction, send code, check patch or other), you can get useful answers. This can make them concentrate and indirectly set them to help you take the time and energy limit, which is very good.
To understand the world of experts, think about how much experts who have a problem with sustainable resources and time. You have docked the less time to dedication, the more you like it is really busy from these truth, and you really have a reply.
So you have the least amount of time you need to pay for your expert answers - this is still different from the simplified problem. For example, "Do you have a better X explanation?" It is usually more than "Please explain X" wise. If you have any code, don't run, usually ask other people to see if there is a problem than calling them to help you change more wise.
Don't ask what you have resolved
The hackers are good at discovering the "homework". Most of us have done their homework, which is what you do in order to learn from your experience. Ask the tips that there is no relationship, but not a complete solution.
If you suspect that you have encountered a homework problem, you still can't resolve, try to ask in the user group forum or (as the last move) in the project's "user" mailing list or forum. Although the hackers will see, some senior users may still be prompted.
Cropped meaningless problem
Boycott In the end of the help, please, "Can anyone help me?" Or "There is no answer?" And the like in semantics. First, if the problem is not complete, these additional things can only be redundant. Second, because they are extra, the hackers will think that these things are annoying - it is very likely to reply to the logic, what kind of person to send people, such as "Yes, you can get help" and "No, no gave you" help"
In general, it is best to avoid the issue of "Yes or No" type, unless you want to get the "yen" type answer.
Even if the problem is really "urgent" for you, don't deliberately
This is your own problem, don't we. The claim "emergency" is very likely to be violated: Most hackers will directly delete this news, they think this is rudely and selfish attempting to get immediate and special care. There is a little bit of a little bit, if you are in some well-known, you will use the procedure for the hackers, may be worth doing. In this case, if you have a deadline, it is also very polite to mention this, people may have enough interest to answer.
Of course, this is very risky because hackers are more exciting standards that are not much like you. For example, there is no problem from the International Space Station, but the representative feels good for charity or political reasons. In fact, posted such as "emergency: helping me save this fluffy small seal!" Will definitely be avoided by hackers or light, even if they think the plush, the small seal is very important.
If you think this is incredible, read the rest of the content several times until you can post it again.
Polite is always harmless, sometimes it will help
Politeness, use "Please" and "thank you for your attention" or "thank you for your opinion", let others understand that you thank them for their free time to help you.
In confession, this is not the correct, clear, accurate, and content, avoiding the use of special formats (simultaneously can not replace them). The hackers are generally reading a bit of Tang Dynasty, but the technical distinctive bug is reported, not the politely vague report.
If you have already talked about technical issues, you will definitely increase your opportunity to get useful reply.
(We must point out that the only place in this article is a serious objection to some old hackers, "I have been thankful in advance", and some hackers think that this is impossible to thank anyone's hint. Our suggestion is to say " Thank you in advance, thank you for your return, or expressed your polite, such as "thank you for your attention" or "thank you for your opinion").
Add a brief description of the problem of problem
After the problem is resolved, you will add a message to all help, let them know how the problem is solved and thank you again. If the problem is widely received in the mailing list or news group, there is more appropriate to add this message there.
The most ideal way is to reply to this message to the initial journey and contain "resolved", "set" or other other meaningful tags. In the list of people from people, a potential respondent who saw clues "Question X" and "Problem X-Solved" will understand that there is no need to waste time (unless he personally thinks "problem X" interest), Use this time to solve other problems.
The news you appended is not too long, a simple "Hello - is the network cable is broken! Thank you - Bill" is not strong than anything. In fact, unless the technology is truly high, a short and friendly summary is better than a long story. Note What actions solve the problem, use not to play the entire tired story.
For depth problems, the abstract of the wrong history is appropriate. Describe the final state of the problem, explaining what is solved, after which it can be avoided. Dead Alley should be placed behind the correct solution and other summaries, not to make this news into a detective reasoning novel. Say those names that have helped your, so you will make friends.
In addition to polite, content, this type of post will help other people searched in mailing lists, newsgroups, or forum documents, and let them benefit them.
In addition to the above, such chassis makes each participating person a sense of satisfaction due to problems. If you are not a technical expert or hacker, I believe in us, this feeling is very important for your old hands and experts who seek help. The problem narratives that I didn't know that it was always frustrated, and the hackers tickled desire to see they were resolved. "Straight itch" will be very helpful for you earned you next time.
Consider how others can avoid similar problems in the future, and ask your patch that you have a document or a common problem. If you have, you will send the patch to the maintainer.
In hackers, this behavior is actually more important than traditional politeness, and it is a way you are kind to others, this is a very valuable wealth. How to interpret answer
"RTFM" and "STFW": How to know that you have completely
There is an ancient and sacred tradition: If you receive the reply of "RTFM", the sender thinks you should go "Read the Dead Manual". He is mostly right, let's read it.
RTFM has a young relative, if you receive a reply of "STFW", sender thinking you should "Search the dead network." He is mostly right, go to search.
In the web forum, you may also be asked to search for the documentation of the forum. In fact, some people may even be enthusiastic to provide you with clues to this problem. But don't rely on this kind of kind, first search the document before you ask.
People who call your search often open the manual or web page that can solve your problem, while looking while knocking the keyboard. These responses mean that he thinks: First, the information you want is easy to find. Second, you have to find a spoonful of people to make you learn more than some people.
You should not feel that it was broken. According to the criteria of hackers, he didn't care about you, showing you some kind, you should thank him for enthusissing to help you.
If you don't understand ...
If you don't understand the reply, don't go back immediately, try to understand the same tool (manual, common question, web page, knowing friends) when you first ask questions. If you still need to explain, you have already understood.
For example, if I tell you: "It sounds like a input item, you need to clear it", then it is a bad note: "What is a input?". And this is a good post: "Yes, I read the manual, and a input is only mentioned in the -z and -p switch, but there is no mention to clear a option, which one you refer is still What did I get wrong? "
Rude
Many hackers' circles seem to have a rude behavior is not a deprecation. On the contrary, it is naturally when it is straightforward, and this style is natural to solve the problem more attention to solve the problem rather than making others feel comfortable and chaotic.
If you feel that it is affected, try calmly. If someone really does it, the mailing list or newsgroup or the predecessors in the forum will say hello. If this is not happening, then you get angry, then the speech of your fire can look normally in the hacker community, and you will be considered a wrong party, which will hurt the opportunity you get information or help.
On the other hand, you will even really encounter a rude and boring words and deeds. In contrast to the above, it is acceptable to the true farewell to fight, and it can be accepted with sharp language. But must be very very very good before acting. Correct rude speech and starting with a meaningless saliva battle, the hackers are not as fresh as the hike. If you are a novice or outsider, avoid this kind of raft is not high. If you want to get information rather than a time, it is best not to put your hand on the keyboard to avoid adventure.
(Some people assert that many hackers have mild autism or Asberge syndrome, certainly lacking the brain required to smoothing the "normal" interaction between human society. This may be or wrong. If you are not a hacker I think you think that our head can help you cope with our weird behavior. I only do this, we don't care. We like us now, and generally have quite doubts about clinical diagnosis.)
In the next section, we will talk about another question, when your behavior is not "offense"
Don't react like a loser
There is a few times in the forum of the hacker community. You will be in a way in this article. You will be displayed in how you mean, and you may have a point in words.
After this, the worst thing you can do is mourning your encounter, claiming that it is oral attack, ask for apology, screaming, breathing, threatening to resort to the law, to report to its employer, forgot to Toilet cover, etc.. Instead, you should do this: Separate, this is normal. In fact, it is good for health and appropriate.
The community's standard will not maintain itself: they are maintained by participants to be active and disclosed. Don't cry all criticisms should be transferred through private email: This is not a way to work. When someone criticizes some of your claim or its opinion, insist that individuals have been insulting. These are the attitude of the loser.
The misleading of Gao Gifts, in some hacker forums, participants are banned from posting any news for others' post, and being told "If you don't want to help users". " The results who have a thoughtful participant have leaving them will only make them unsearable and useless technology forums.
Is it an exaggerated "friendship" (in the above way) or useful? Pick one.
Remember: When the hacker said that you are in trouble, (no matter how harsh) tells you something like this, he is working to pay attention to you and his community. For him, ignore you and eliminate you from his life. If you can't be grateful, at least have a little dignity, don't mourning loudly, don't be because you are a super-sensitive soul and self-righteous newcomers, you count in you like you like a fragile doll.
Sometimes, even if you don't worry (or just others imagine you, some people will attack you people without reason. In this case, the report is really true.
These findings are either nothing, but they think is the unmanned guy who is an expert, or it is a psychologist who is really impulsive. Other readers or ignore them or use their own way to deal with them. These findings are giving yourself, this is not worrying.
Don't let yourself get into the mouth of the water, most of the oral watches is not to 睬 睬 睬 睬 睬 睬 ─ 是 是 它 是 是 是 是 是 是 是 是 是 地 地 地 地 地 地 地 地 地 地 地 于 地 于 地 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于 于This is also possible).
Ask questions
Here are some typical stupid problems and hackers do not answer their ideas.
ask:
Where can I find a program or X resource?
ask:
How do I use X?
ask:
How to configure my shell prompt?
ask:
Can I use the BASS-O-MATIC file conversion tool to convert the Acmecorp document to a TEX format?
ask:
My {program, configuration, SQL statement} is not running
ask:
My window has a problem, can you help?
ask:
My program has a problem, I think the system tool X is broken.
ask:
I am installing Linux or X, can you help?
ask:
How can I crack super user password / stealing channel operator privileges / see someone's email?
Q: Where can I find a program or X resource? A: I can find it the same place, dome - on the web search engine. God, is there anyone who doesn't know how to use Google? Q: How do I use X? Y A: If you want to do y, you don't give a way that is not appropriate. This problem shows that the questioner is not only ignorant to the X, but also confused the Y problem to be solved, but also imprisoned by a particular situation. Waiting for them to make the problem. Q: How do I configure my shell prompt? A: If you have enough wisdom to mention this question, you should have enough wisdom to RTFM, then go to find it. Q: Can I use the BASS-O-MATIC file conversion tool to convert the Acmecorp document to a TEX format? A: I will try it. If you tried, you know the answer, and you don't have to waste my time. Q: My {program, configuration, sql statement} does not run Answer: This is not a problem, I am not interested in guess what is wrong - I have something more important. Seeing this kind of thing, my reaction is usually as follows: Do you have any supplements? Oh, it's too bad, I hope you can get it. What is the relationship with me?
Q: My window computer has a problem, can you help? A: Yes, delete the window garbage, install an open source operating system like Linux or BSD. Note: If the program has an official window version or interact with the window (such as Samba), you can ask questions related to the window computer, but don't be surprised by the problem of the window operating system instead of the program itself, because the window Generally, it is too bad, this statement is generally established. Q: My program has a problem, I think the system tool X is broken. A: You are fully likely to note that the system calls that have been repeatedly used by thousands of users with obvious defects, and it is more likely that you are completely unfounded. Different sayings require different evidences, when you claim, you must have a clear and detailed defect description document. Q: I have problems with Linux or X, can you help? A: No, I need to manipulate your computer to help you talk, go to the local Linux user group seek convenient help (you can find the user group list here) Note: List of mailing services for a Linux release service Or forums or local user organizations to mention the issue of installing this release may be appropriate. At this point, the accurate details of the problem should be described. Prior to this, first search for "Linux" and all suspected hardware (for keyword). Q: How can I solve the super user password / steal channel operator's privilege / see someone's email? A: I want to do this means that you are a territorial guy, wanting hackers to teach you this kind of thing to show that you are an idiot.
Good problem with bad problems
Finally, I will demonstrate the wisdom of your questions. Two questions about the same problem, a stupid, another smart.
Stupid: Where can I find something about FOONLY FLURBAMATIC?
This problem is begging to get the reply of STFW.
Smart: I use Google to check "Fooly FluBamatic 2600", but did not find any useful, who knows how to find this device programming information?
This person has searched the network, and he sounds that he may really encounter problems.
Stupid: I can't compile the source code of a project, why do it break?
He assume that someone else is smashed, too arrogant.
Smart: The source code of a project cannot be compiled under a Linux 6.2 version. I read the common problem document, but there is no problem with a Linux. This is a record of compile, what am I doing wrong? He indicated the operating environment and read the common problem document. Listed the error, and there is no hypothesis that the problem is the fault of others. This guy is worth noting.
Stupid: My motherboard has a problem, who can help me?
A hacker's response to this may be: "Yes, do you need to help you shoot back and change diaper?", Then knock down the delete key.
Smart: I tried X, Y, and Z on the S2464 motherboard. When they fail, I tried A, B and C. Note that I try C's strange symptoms, obviously something is doing something, this is not expected. What is the cause of a certain thing in the Athlon MP motherboard? Does anyone know what I can try again to determine the problem?
Conversely, this person seems to be worth answering. He shows the ability to solve the problem rather than sitting waiting for the tart.
In the last question, pay attention to "Give me a reply" and "Please help me see what I can do to do something test to get the subtle but important difference.
In fact, the last problem is basically stem from the real event on the LINUX kernel list (LKML) in August 2001, I (Eric), I found that the TYAN S2462 motherboard has a mysterious crash. Members of the mailing list provide me a solution to this issue.
Through this question, I gave others to chew the taste. I managed to make it easier and attractive to participants, but also showed respect for peer competence and inviting them to negotiate with me. By telling them that I have already gone, I also showed respect for their valuable time.
Afterwards, when I thank everyone and comment on this good experience, a member of a Linux kernel message talked, he thought it was not because my name is on the list, but because I got the answer.
The hackers are very different elite elements in some way. I think he is right. If I express a parasite that is not willing, no matter who I am, I will be ignored or reprimanded. He suggested that the entire incident directly leads to the writing of this article directly.
If you can't get an answer
If you don't get an answer, please don't think we don't want to help you, sometimes because the team members don't know the answer. No response is not equal to being ignored, of course, must recognize that it is difficult to see the difference from the outside.
In general, it is not good to post the problem again, which will be regarded as a meaningless harassment.
There are other resources to seek help, usually in some resources suitable for novices.
There are many online and local users, although they do not write any software, but they are very enthusiastic about the software. These user groups are usually formed by mutual assistance and helping newcomers.
There are also many large and small commercial companies to provide signing support services (Red Hat and Linuxcare are two most famous, there are many other). Don't be frustrated because you have to pay some money! After all, if your car's cylinder cylinder is burned, you still have to find a repair shop to spend money to fix it. Even if the software doesn't spend a penny, you can't expect service support to be free.
Each developer is more than 10,000 users, and a person cannot cope with such a service request for so many users. Remember, even if you have to pay, you can get more support, which is much less than you buy software (and support for closed source code software is more expensive than the support of open source software.)
How to answer questions more helpfully
Attitude and goodness. The pressure brought about by the problem is often a rude or stupid.
Reply privately to the initiator. There is no need to humiliate about those who frankly make mistakes, and a real newcomer may even find or find a common problem document.
If you are not sure, be sure to say! A wrong response that sounds authority is better than it is not bad, don't give it to others because it sounds like an expert. To be modest and honest, give the questioner with the peers. If you can't help, don't hinder. Don't joke on the specific steps, as mightset, the user's installation is, and some poor gum will treat it as a true instruction.
Reverse the problem to explore to lead to more details. If you do well, the questioner can learn something - you can also learn. Try to turn the stupid problem into a smart problem, don't forget that we have been a newbie.
Despite the legislation of those who read the dead, it is legitimate, pointed out the location of the document (even if it is just a good Google Keyword search) will be better.
If you want to answer, give a good answer. When other people are using the wrong tool or improper method, do not recommend the right to suggest, there should be a good tool, reorganize the problem.
Help your community to learn from the question. When you reply to a good question, ask yourself "How to modify relevant documents or common problem documents to avoid answering the same problem again?", Then send a patch to document maintenance.
If you are indeed the answer to the answer, show your skills instead of the direct end. After all, "Taoism is fish, it is better to teach people to fish."
related resources
If you need a basic knowledge of how to work in personal computers, UNIX and Internet, see how UNIX and how the Internet works
When you release a software or patch, try it in accordance with the software release practice guide.
Thank you
Evelyn Mitchell contributed some examples of stupid problems and inspired to write "how to give better answers". Mikhail Ramendik also contributed some particularly valuable improvements.
