HOWTO ask questions that get answered

[TRN]

Make sure that you read Eric Raymond's How To Ask Questions The Smart Way (http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html)

Note: This link is not a help desk. If you need help then please search for an answer and if you become frustrated then ask away. Just remember to do your homework 8)

[robbie_n]

Oh no... I got into trouble trying to adapt this for use with the Lycoris Community. It's so darn condescending to new users.

[TRN]

I was going to make some sort of warning message but you beat me to it. Something of this sort ...

Warning: This link may be offensive to someone who is not used to ...

After all, it does say this:

Be gentle. Problem-related stress can make people seem rude or stupid even when they're not.

Anyway. I'll keep working on it :lol:

[robbie_n]

You know who should really read it, don't you? The people who support newbies. As an object lesson in what not to do.

[TRN]

You know you are in trouble when ...

(1) You tell someone to RTM when you haven't read it yet.
(2) You post a question to a question.
(3) You try to be sarcastic in a post and someone asks for clarification.
(4) You try to answer a question and forget the topic so you just post a string of symbols. (rm * /$%^)
(5) You read a post and laugh out loud (for real)
(6) You wake up and turn your computer on before taking a shower.
(7) Your best friend is only available through an IM client.

OK. Now I am getting to the edge. It's time for a break. I seemed to have hijaked my own thread. :oops:

Now, if I could only find the article that I wrote on the top ten Linux Lusers....

[robbie_n]

Very good! LOL! Unfortunately I did LOL for real reading it...

My bets are on #7.

[TRN]

I need to seriously read more. I've been a baaaad boy lately.

Dusting off The Official Red Hat Linux 5 user's manual and showing you.

Is it too late to read this?

:D

[robbie_n]

ROFL!!!

It's probably too late for version 5, but version 9 is another matter: http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-9-Manual/

[Davepet]

>>(2) You post a question to a question. <<

To quote the article:
______________________________________
Ask probing questions to elicit more details. If you're good at this, the querent will learn something — and so might you. Try to turn the bad question into a good one; remember we were all newbies once.

While just muttering RTFM is sometimes justified when replying to someone who is just a lazy slob, a pointer to documentation (even if it's just a suggestion to Google for a key phrase) is better.
________________________________________

I find there are *lots* of times that there is no possible way to answer a question w/o more information.

I guess a *real* hacker would just blow those off :(

That said, the article has a great deal of merit, although I'm not sure how to get those most likely to need it to actually READ it ;o)

Dave

[TRN]

That said, the article has a great deal of merit, although I'm not sure how to get those most likely to need it to actually READ it ;o)

The majority of my students refuse to read when they first start my class. They are too overwhelmed with just being a teenager and too scared of the subject. However, one teen at a time eventually settles down to become a serious student. They learn to read for information.

More importantly, the students start to reflect the same attitude as the teacher. So, if the teacher is grumpy then the student is too. However, if the teacher is excited about the topic and shares this enthusiasm then the student is most likely going to become excited too. Sadly, there are always exceptions.

I suspect then that most new Linux users are too overwhelmed when they first start using Linux and they are afraid of doing something wrong with their machine. They will eventually settle down and learn to read if the Linux elders work with new Linux users in a calm, polite manner.

It is our enthusiasm of Linux that will guide them to the documentation and not our nagging. Linux elders should not be old bitter women but great Uncles with lots of energy. Our newbies will then become great Uncles too who will spread the good nature of Linux.

FWIW, I provided the link as a means to help people. Sometimes people don't understand why their question is not being answered. This link gives some of the reasons (some of them being hidden between the lines).

[muskrat]

OK I'll go do a read on that article. Because I still have that question I've posted on three different broads, ask numorous friends. (how do you get Debian to accept, the apt-source and then call for the right cd when you install?) My post have been numorous and in great detail. But I stiil find now clear answer and or answer between the line.

I believe I just need to get a better understanding of the nuts and bolts of linux under the hood.
because Debian woody installed will do as I/m asking be default. But Xandros, Knoppix won't.

Anyway I'll read the article, Don't know if I'm one of the ones you say needs toread it or not. Maybe my question is a little off the wall and out of the beaten path so to speak.

[TRN]

I still have that question I've posted on three different broads, ask numorous friends. (how do you get Debian to accept, the apt-source and then call for the right cd when you install?) My post have been numorous and in great detail. But I stiil find now clear answer and or answer between the line.

Anyway I'll read the article, Don't know if I'm one of the ones you say needs toread it or not. Maybe my question is a little off the wall and out of the beaten path so to speak.

Musky,

I vaguely remember your question and didn't answer for a few reasons. My apologies if that is frustrating.

(1) Your question was about dselect and I do not use it. It is the most powerful one to use but also the most difficult.

(2) Someone asked you for the sources.list that you use but I don't remember seeing your reply.

(3) There is more than one way to do something in linux and I wasn't clear what you were trying to accomplish so that I could state a better +/or different way of doing it.

So, let's go back to your thread and you can post a follow up. However, we might not be able to help if you say it works in Woody but not Knoppix or Xandros because those may be specific issues with those distros. You might start by comparing the sources.list :)

Yea I figured that was some what the case. I didn't post my source.list because I didn't figure it was relivent. The source list has the cd listed correctly, the data base shows its self in kpackage. the issue is the mount unmount issues with linux.

I believe what I'm going to do is buy Libranet and Linux from sratch. install them on a box alone, then learn this debian from the ground up all the bolts and nuts issues. Then maybe Ican hack Xandros to do what I want.

Don't take an offence please, like I said I posted it on several boards and ask several friends. What I'm trying to do is use debian off line and I don't believe many people do that. If it wern't for the internet Linux wouldn't be what it is today, but every once in a while one needs a stand alone box. I don't believe Xandros was intended to be, as for Knoppix it wasn't inteaded for more than a quick cd run sort of a intro distro.

But thanks all the same your answers answered other questions unasked all the same.

Sorry I forgot I wasn't logged in on the frist post I'm muskrat SeeYa

[TRN]

It is best to keep the discussion of the specifics in the other thread (http://www.tuxreports.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&p=1429#1429). So, I've added my answer to it there and maybe it will help.

:D