Re: [tlug] Ken Lunde's great book, CJKV Information Processing

["Josh Glover" <jmglov@example.com>]

On 28/02/06, Viktor Pavlenko <vvp@example.com> wrote:

> Yeah, you shouldn't ask questions here (google is faster in giving
> answers). Instead post smart comments.

I hope that this is a troll, but I'll rise to it out of a sense of
duty (just in case it is not).

In general, you should always research a question before asking TLUG.
This both increases the likelihood of getting a useful answer for the
poster, and decreases the annoyance longtime list members feel when
they see a question asked for the 40,000th time (and the poster could
thus find the answer in our archives, if not on the net at large).

Obviously, sometimes we either

a) get lazy, or
b) do not have time to do the research

In that case, it is best to state up front that you have done no
research, but that pointers to documentation or a simple explanation
would be appreciated.

Just remember that when you do not at least *attempt* to help yourself
before asking the list, you are taking a big chance. Now, if you have
been around on the list for quite awhile, and people owe you favours
or at least think you are "worthy", they may forgive your laziness /
lack of time.

But there is also the chance, especially for newcomers to the list
that, at best, they will be told gently to RTFM (as Jim did in this
case), or at worst, be told rudely to RTFM. Or maybe the worst case is
simply being ignored.

Just remember that, in the optimal case, you should help us help you
(by listing what you have tried and why it still doesn't work, or what
you still do not know).

Cheers,
Josh