Why do you ANSWER questions in the programming forums?
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Answering forum questions is like press-ups for brain!
'--8<------------------------ Ex Datis: Duncan Jones Merrion Computing Ltd
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Chris Maunder wrote:
1. Why answer? What is the motivation?
I don't know: it's compulsive.
Chris Maunder wrote:
2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer?
Why? It's amazing trying to answer to :"Hi, I got errors in my application, how to solve in MFC?"
Chris Maunder wrote:
3. What would encourage you to answer more more?
See point 1.
Chris Maunder wrote:
4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep?
Deeper technical questions, I suppose (or MVP superpowers, like more voting weight?).
Chris Maunder wrote:
5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion?
Tabs would be really welcome. What about a subliminal background with your eleven commandments stamped? :-D
If the Lord God Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon the Creation, I would have recommended something simpler. -- Alfonso the Wise, 13th Century King of Castile.
This is going on my arrogant assumptions. You may have a superb reason why I'm completely wrong. -- Iain Clarke
[My articles]CPallini wrote:
Tabs would be really welcome
Tabs? In what way?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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1. to accumulate knowledge 2a. in-line replies (the ability to view several parts of the thread while editing a reply) 2b. shorthand text (an individual dictionary storing text snippets for easy keyword-based retrieval) if not: selectable signature (combobox with 8 user-settable strings) if not: allow for much more signature text 2c. better search facilities 2d. a way to go right to the most recent post in a forum (the bold one without any "NEW" on page 1, useful on low-throughput forums) 2e. a more reliable system signaling *new* messages (the bold forum titles don't work correctly, sometimes bold is gone in 10 minutes, sometimes it stays there for 8 hours although all have been visited at least once) 2f. a taller message edit box (it fills only half my screen height). 2g. a wider display of the message being replied to (why is it narrower than the reply edit box?) 2h. format buttons to the left of the edit box instead of below (better visibility, less distance) 2i. remark: when afraid some people won't like a different set-up, provide a few alternatives and let the users choose individually. 3a. better questions 3a1. provide more guidance; explain the different forums, how to chose when having a C# database problem on a Vista machine (don't drastically reduce the number of forums!!! instead split VB/VB.NET); explain "don't cross-post", this site's dislike of it is well hidden (alternatively allow and don't mind cross-posting); explain "use code block button"; explain "mention environment, tools, versions". one sentence for each of these on top of the question entry page. 3a2. idea: a question entry form that leads the OP through some questions: - what is the overall goal? - what is the environment, language, tool? - what is the exact symptom? etc. questions would not apply in all cases, but they would invite the poster to provide info on different aspects. 3a3. discourage stupid questions (people not willing to formulate clearly, provide sufficient info, do some searching themselves, etc) by providing a numeric question voting system (scale 1-5, NOT: good/bad) so the poster gets a numeric feedback; and his overall question quality shown both on his personal page and next to each question. Low scores would soon get completely ignored (increase the score by 0.1 each day) 3a4. maybe offer the choice of forum on the edit page, when the question has been composed but not posted yet (do you want a language-oriented forum + combobox? a technology-oriented forum + combobox?) 3b. replace
Excellent suggestions. Asking people to do stuff never works, but guiding them through is a perfect idea. The issue of cross posting is a big one and I am leaning towards "one forum, many tags" rather than "many forums each with one tag". It makes the whole cross-posting issue moot.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I look at our current programming forums and I feel we're not doing nearly as good a job for those looking for quick answers as we could. The issues: - the format isn't condusive to a question/answer type setup - questions are not getting marked as 'answered' often enough to make a difference - the same questions get asked again and again - unanswered questions disappear too quickly - members post good questions, phrased terribly Yet members post questions, and these questions get answered, basically because the guys who answer care more about helping than about having a perfect system. For those who answer questions: 1. Why answer? What is the motivation? 2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer? 3. What would encourage you to answer more more? 4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep? 5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
Why answer? What is the motivation?
I answer fewer questions every year as I become more and more out of date. But I still try, as we are all beginners at something, and all have been beginners at everything at one time. I haven't forgotten. It's depressing to think back on all the projects I've abandoned over the years because I hit a spot where I just got stuck and couldn't get anyone to help. Many people here are extremely helpful - habitually so - and they are gems to be treasured. But too often the response is "read a book" - I have dozens of them and have read every one of them, most several times. There are some things that aren't in books, and almost nothing is in "Help." If I can save someone some measure of the immense frustration I've felt over the years because I got stuck on something that I just couldn't solve, that makes my day, maybe even my life justifiable. There's nothing wrong with the site as is, but we could do with a few less prima donnas and more great-hearted souls like Christian, Nish, Shog, and the hundreds of others who have been here forever, consistently being helpful to those following behind them. I don't mean to denigrate others - I've received some fantastic responses from many of our newer members, too, and I'm glad for their help. The mix has changed, though, and it's a less responsive site than it used to be. I suspect it's one of those cyclical things that you can't control, but just ride out the bad times and enjoy the good. As to rewarding the greats, maybe we should steal part of the TechRepublic formula of old. When someone gives us a solution or simply helpful guidance, let us award them points. Post a Hall of Fame where the top 100 point earners can see their names in lights (well, pixels anyway). Maybe that has to be the top 1000 - there're so many great people here, I dunno. We're a competitive lot; we used to compete for most messages, most diverse signatures, and cleverest hack of the site trying to get around your filters. I imagine the best among us will still be motivated to be #1. :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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Perhaps you should be asking why people don't post answers? :( I hate saying this, as I've been a loyal CP member almost since it's inception, but stackoverflow is my first port of call when I have a burning desire to ask or answer programming questions. Sorry Chris, but it's combination of a reward system, plus the ability to edit posts once you have enough badges, is a killer USP. There are other reasons too, mainly that it attracts programmers from all avenues of the industry, whereas CP is known as an MS specific site. For example, I have asked/answered questions about C++/STL/Boost, that if I post here, might eventually illicit a response from a handful of people (99% of the time it's Stuart Dootson), but on stackoverflow I usually get a good answer in a just a few minutes.
Don't be sorry. They have done a fantastic job and we need to move with the times. This is why I'm asking these questions.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Let me throw a radical idea out there, Chris. Make the CP forums be StackOverflow.com. I know, not-invented-here syndrome, and ads and all that, but you know what, if SO is doing it right, why reinvent it?
Religiously blogging on the intarwebs since the early 21st century: Kineti L'Tziyon Judah Himango
Stackoverflow is a mix between Yahoo Answers (et al.) and wikipedia. Kinda sorta. A simple combination of simple ideas but well executed. Would something along those lines be welcome here?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Chris Maunder wrote:
1. Why answer? What is the motivation?
I don't know really why I keep on doing it. I remember the first time I attempted to answer a question was because I thought "Hey! I know that" and so I suppose it still is. As for the motivation, it is partly a desire to help others, which is difficult for me to do in other ways, and partly 'boredom'. That is not quite the right word, hence the quotes, but I usually visit the coding forums when I am stuck with I am doing myself. I find that answering often jogs my mind and gets me restarted on my own stuff.
Chris Maunder wrote:
2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer?
I agree with others, that tabs in the reply box would make it easier. Finding questions is fine as is IMHO.
Chris Maunder wrote:
3. What would encourage you to answer more more?
Nothing, really.
Chris Maunder wrote:
4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep?
I think the recognition system is fine as it is. I don't spend much time on other programming sites, so cannot compare rewards.
Chris Maunder wrote:
5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion?
The current system may not be ideal, but it does have the benefit of reducing the amount of space, and therefore scrolling, required for a question and its' answers.
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
"Tabs in the reply box" Not sure which way you mean.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I don't answer questions in huge volume, typically because when I do go hunting for relevant questions, all the ones I'm a) able to help out; b) Able to decipher the broken English; have already been answered. To answer your questions 1. Usually simply to help out. Not for recognition or pats on the back, but the chance to help out someone to get better at their chosen hobby or career is pretty neat. 2. Being able to filter out already answered questions, and to not split up questions in to fixed categories, but adopt a more keyword oriented way of tagging questions. Often questsions cross domains, and while the person could be trying to solve an ASP.Net question, it turns out to be a C# syntax problem. Allowing other people to tag a question and not just the author would be useful. Also having a difficulty rating, similar to voting, would help. I typically only look at challenging problems. 3. I'm not sure. Getting a thankyou reply helps a great deal, but isn't something that can be enforced of course. 4. Does't interest me. 5. For me this is how the process normally unfolds: a) A question is asked b) One or more people respond with "Hang on, thats not enough information, please post X, Y and Z" c) This goes around a couple of times d) The "eureka moment" occurs when the real underlying problem is discovered and a solution is posted. For me it would be nice to not only have the discussion thread, but have the final question/answer re-written and formatted so when people are searching for similar problems, they don't have to read through up to a dozen messages to discover the solution, but they still can if they feel like it. This sort of lends it self to a "mini article" or more of a knowledge base style structure. And also ties in to number 3. If the final answer is a mini-article with status awarded to members for producing the final edited and nicely presented answer, it might work out well. It is quite a lot of effort though, so participation rates might not be high.
Phil Martin... wrote:
but adopt a more keyword oriented way of tagging questions
Yep - this has been my thought for a long time now. Your other thoughts are excellent (and reassuring!)
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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1. Why answer? What is the motivation? Kudos. I remember when I was learning and could get bopgged down and frustraed by something which seems so trivial today - we sometimes forget how much we take for granted. 2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer? Moderation. Good summary description in the heading. 3. What would encourage you to answer more more? Easier to browse questions. Separation of answered/unanswered questions. 4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep? You vould look at a points system - other sites use this - allocate a number of points to the question and the person who is deemed to have first answered the question gets the points. There's enough interest in the 'gold' memebers and the down-voting of posts now that I think many would post answers to accumulate points. 5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion? I think a single level - Question followed by potential answers. Separate list of questions about the question ... e.g.
+ Q: I needz urgent helps with arias (10 points)
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R: Do you mean Arrays?
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R: Suggest you change the subject to "Array issue - how to detect size of array"
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A: Use Array.Length
+ A: It depends on what you mean by 'size'.
Where Q is the original question, R denote responses rather than answers and A denote potential ansers (the plusses indicate these are the subject lines which can be expanded to show the full text) and the italicised Answeris the accepted answer I'd display the questions (only) in a list - probably latest unanswered first followed by latest answered. Allow a question to be expanded (to another window?) with all of its related information. If moderation is allowed (I know it is expensive) then maybe the original and moderated questions can be shown side-by-side and the original poster emailed to let them know the text has changed.
___________________________________________ .\\axxx (That's an 'M')
Interesting. The whole 'Let's clarify your question before I answer it" is a common theme and not something we immediately realised. Good one.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Chris Maunder wrote:
Why answer? What is the motivation?
I answer fewer questions every year as I become more and more out of date. But I still try, as we are all beginners at something, and all have been beginners at everything at one time. I haven't forgotten. It's depressing to think back on all the projects I've abandoned over the years because I hit a spot where I just got stuck and couldn't get anyone to help. Many people here are extremely helpful - habitually so - and they are gems to be treasured. But too often the response is "read a book" - I have dozens of them and have read every one of them, most several times. There are some things that aren't in books, and almost nothing is in "Help." If I can save someone some measure of the immense frustration I've felt over the years because I got stuck on something that I just couldn't solve, that makes my day, maybe even my life justifiable. There's nothing wrong with the site as is, but we could do with a few less prima donnas and more great-hearted souls like Christian, Nish, Shog, and the hundreds of others who have been here forever, consistently being helpful to those following behind them. I don't mean to denigrate others - I've received some fantastic responses from many of our newer members, too, and I'm glad for their help. The mix has changed, though, and it's a less responsive site than it used to be. I suspect it's one of those cyclical things that you can't control, but just ride out the bad times and enjoy the good. As to rewarding the greats, maybe we should steal part of the TechRepublic formula of old. When someone gives us a solution or simply helpful guidance, let us award them points. Post a Hall of Fame where the top 100 point earners can see their names in lights (well, pixels anyway). Maybe that has to be the top 1000 - there're so many great people here, I dunno. We're a competitive lot; we used to compete for most messages, most diverse signatures, and cleverest hack of the site trying to get around your filters. I imagine the best among us will still be motivated to be #1. :-D
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
I just want to make sure that whoever helps out gets the kudos they deserve (but probably aren't asking for).
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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I look at our current programming forums and I feel we're not doing nearly as good a job for those looking for quick answers as we could. The issues: - the format isn't condusive to a question/answer type setup - questions are not getting marked as 'answered' often enough to make a difference - the same questions get asked again and again - unanswered questions disappear too quickly - members post good questions, phrased terribly Yet members post questions, and these questions get answered, basically because the guys who answer care more about helping than about having a perfect system. For those who answer questions: 1. Why answer? What is the motivation? 2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer? 3. What would encourage you to answer more more? 4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep? 5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
1. To simply help out and give back to repay or pay forward the help that I have received over the years. 3. I don't think that you can do anything in my case. The east coasters answer the questions before I get out of bed.... 4. Aren't they already recognized as MVPs (CodeProject)?
Why is common sense not common? Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level where they are an expert. Sometimes it takes a lot of work to be lazy Individuality is fine, as long as we do it together - F. Burns Help humanity, join the CodeProject grid computing team here
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"Tabs in the reply box" Not sure which way you mean.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Programmer's editor (tab key works for block indents vs. just moving to the next form field) perhaps?
Oh, TAB tabs. Right.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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Oh, TAB tabs. Right.
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
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no, the real stuff, preferably 4 spaces wide! :)
Luc Pattyn [Forum Guidelines] [My Articles]
The quality and detail of your question reflects on the effectiveness of the help you are likely to get. Show formatted code inside PRE tags, and give clear symptoms when describing a problem.
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I just want to make sure that whoever helps out gets the kudos they deserve (but probably aren't asking for).
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
I'd agree with that. Most of the helpful people here find reward enough in knowing that they've provided an answer that is helpful. It's a good feeling to know that you've helped another soul to have a good day. Points and kudos will not change that. I'm just really glad they're here when I need them...
"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"
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CPallini wrote:
Tabs would be really welcome
Tabs? In what way?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
To be able to insert tabs in the post submission text field I reckon.
-- Kein Mitleid Für Die Mehrheit
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To be able to insert tabs in the post submission text field I reckon.
-- Kein Mitleid Für Die Mehrheit
You reckon well. :)
If the Lord God Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon the Creation, I would have recommended something simpler. -- Alfonso the Wise, 13th Century King of Castile.
This is going on my arrogant assumptions. You may have a superb reason why I'm completely wrong. -- Iain Clarke
[My articles] -
Because I'm bored, and I decide to see what's going on in the programming forums, and before I get too disgusted too quickly, I try to find a question that I actually know the answer to that hasn't already been answered. I really admire those who hang out in the programming forums and actually devote time and attention to answering questions. You guys are the real heros of the CP community, IMO. Marc
Marc Clifton wrote:
I really admire those who hang out in the programming forums and actually devote time and attention to answering questions. You guys are the real heros of the CP community, IMO.
And mine! Dave Kreskowiak in VB is worth his weight in M&M's!
------------------------------------ "Possessions make you poor, wealth is measurable only in experience." Sun Tzu 621BC
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I look at our current programming forums and I feel we're not doing nearly as good a job for those looking for quick answers as we could. The issues: - the format isn't condusive to a question/answer type setup - questions are not getting marked as 'answered' often enough to make a difference - the same questions get asked again and again - unanswered questions disappear too quickly - members post good questions, phrased terribly Yet members post questions, and these questions get answered, basically because the guys who answer care more about helping than about having a perfect system. For those who answer questions: 1. Why answer? What is the motivation? 2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer? 3. What would encourage you to answer more more? 4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep? 5. What question / answer format would work best in your opinion?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
1. Why answer? What is the motivation?
Because getting answers to questions was how i got started, and I know it can be very frustrating. Also, i still post questions, so I reckon it's kinda karmic.
Chris Maunder wrote:
2. What would make it easier to answer, or easier to find questions you could answer?
I don't think the current system is that bad - i look through the technologies that i know, answer what i can.
Chris Maunder wrote:
3. What would encourage you to answer more more?
This might be a bit tricky, but if there was any way you could craft something clever to in some way send a small shock to those people who post a question, when the very same question has been asked recently by somebody else (often on the same page in the forum), then that'd be cool... Bit of an ASP.net forum problem.
Chris Maunder wrote:
4. What, if any, recognition would be suitable for those who really dig deep?
See karmic answer to number 1.