Joined
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8,405 Posts
I need to post this because it's become necessary for me to do so. This is a public forum and I am a volunteer moderator. The questions asked here are open to the public and peer review. That's how it works. Some people may or may not like like the responses or may not like the open format. Getting mad or miffed over FREE advice, disenting opinions or public discussions is inappropriate. It's a take it or leave it proposition. It's OK to disagree with someone. That's what this country is founded on. A moderator is in place so discussions don't get out of hand. This site is much better than some because of the rules and it should stay that way. Read the site rules!
I often get PM requests or worse emails to my work inbox asking for private responses to questions. Sorry, I don't have the time or inclination nor is it appropriate for me to become a free 411 service, especially on company time.
Sometimes while I'm on the computer doing design work or while monitoring experiments I can answer a question or two but this isn't my job.
I don't mind helping people but some people ask for help then kick you in the shins. The first rule of lifesaving is not to risk your life trying to save a violent victim. What this means is asking for help and being combative is not going to get you help.
Some people may think they "own" the questions but IMO you don't own the answers. A lot of time may go into typing (or cutting and pasting) good responses. A moderators job is to delete offensive posts (and that sometimes takes some judgement) but I think good answers are worth saving. Please keep in mind that this is a public forum not a free, personal 411 service. The answers may be a benefit to many others that read the site looking for information not just the thread starter.
Diagnosing problems sight unseen over the internet is tricky. If asking a question please be sure to give enough information. You may be asked follow up questions since no one has a crystal ball.
Don't get impatient if no one answers right away. "Bumping" questions just wastes space and makes the thread longer.
Responses in violation site rules are deleted. Some extraneous posts may be deleted to save space.
I will not knowingly give or tolerate advice that leads to anything unsafe or illegal. Street racing is both unsafe AND illegal.
Don't assume that everyone posting is knowledgeable. Anyone can respond to a question. Everyone is entitled to their opinion...valid or not.
Fortunately, our system of open peer review tends to weed out bad responses, but we take no responsibility or guarantee the validity of any advice given or any consequences resulting.
If your problem gets solved (or doesn't) by the Nova Site, please let everyone know. It's helpful for everyone to find out if the advice was helpful or not.
My opinions are solely my own and in no way constitute an endorsement from my employer, the other moderators or Steve's Nova Site.
I often get PM requests or worse emails to my work inbox asking for private responses to questions. Sorry, I don't have the time or inclination nor is it appropriate for me to become a free 411 service, especially on company time.
Sometimes while I'm on the computer doing design work or while monitoring experiments I can answer a question or two but this isn't my job.
I don't mind helping people but some people ask for help then kick you in the shins. The first rule of lifesaving is not to risk your life trying to save a violent victim. What this means is asking for help and being combative is not going to get you help.
Some people may think they "own" the questions but IMO you don't own the answers. A lot of time may go into typing (or cutting and pasting) good responses. A moderators job is to delete offensive posts (and that sometimes takes some judgement) but I think good answers are worth saving. Please keep in mind that this is a public forum not a free, personal 411 service. The answers may be a benefit to many others that read the site looking for information not just the thread starter.
Diagnosing problems sight unseen over the internet is tricky. If asking a question please be sure to give enough information. You may be asked follow up questions since no one has a crystal ball.
Don't get impatient if no one answers right away. "Bumping" questions just wastes space and makes the thread longer.
Responses in violation site rules are deleted. Some extraneous posts may be deleted to save space.
I will not knowingly give or tolerate advice that leads to anything unsafe or illegal. Street racing is both unsafe AND illegal.
Don't assume that everyone posting is knowledgeable. Anyone can respond to a question. Everyone is entitled to their opinion...valid or not.
Fortunately, our system of open peer review tends to weed out bad responses, but we take no responsibility or guarantee the validity of any advice given or any consequences resulting.
If your problem gets solved (or doesn't) by the Nova Site, please let everyone know. It's helpful for everyone to find out if the advice was helpful or not.
My opinions are solely my own and in no way constitute an endorsement from my employer, the other moderators or Steve's Nova Site.
I agree!
