Why be intolerant of dumb questions?
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Maybe somebody should write the article, "How Not to Ask a Question". Or maybe a bunch of tips/tricks.
Martin Fowler wrote:
Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.
More CP required reading. :thumbsup: Perhaps provide classic examples like the life and death bread and potatoes boy, so new members know what they are in for if they do ask poorly written questions. In a humorous way of course.
It was broke, so I fixed it.
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
I think 1 and 2 are the usual reasons, but I'm not sure I agree with your premise. I hope I don't get too sarcastic or scathing, but I don't have a good answer. It's really hard to tell from a single message on the interwebs whether someone is lazy, or trying to communicate in a language they don't speak very well, or just had a brain-fart.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
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Umm, ok...what is the point? :confused:
No comment
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions?
Possibly simple frustration with the lazy? I don't think outright stupid is the issue most of the time(even though there are some doozies that cross these boards), its just lazy. Maybe some of the longer term members/longer career programmers are simply fed up with people being lazy trying to do what they(the programmers) have flat busted their butts to do for years.. Being snarky to the lazy maybe is just their way of blowing of that steam? Does not necessarily make it right(or wrong)by them doing so, but can certainly be more understandable when viewed that way. I personally do not answer many if any questions due to the fact that I know my own knowledge is still substandard by far, and I'd rather shut up than give a wrong/misleading answer. But even I have read some of the posts and felt like saying something nasty due to the flat simplicity of the question proving that the poster did exactly squat to research the problem.
Programming is a race between programmers trying to build bigger and better idiot proof programs, and the universe trying to build bigger and better idiots, so far... the universe is winning. Be careful which toes you step on today, they might be connected to the foot that kicks your butt tomorrow. You can't scare me, I have children.
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers)
Result: New thread in Site B&S, "y was my question deleted?"
Chris Maunder wrote:
2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on
Result: New thread in Site B&S, "sum1 is downvoting my questions!!!!11one"
Chris Maunder wrote:
3. ignore it and move on
Result: Same question posted again the next day, and the next, and the next, ad infinitum. Alternatively, a new thread in the lounge asking why everyone is ignoring him.
Chris Maunder wrote:
4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply
Result: New thread in Site B&S, "ppl r being mean 2 me, pls delete my account" Ok, clearly I don't spend much time in Q&A, and it was actually quite difficult to do a proper imitation of "txtspk" above... My fingers are screaming at me, "No! That's not how to type! Go back and fix it!"
Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in?
Author of the Guardians Saga (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels) -
We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
As matter of fact, sir, sarcasm is not widely used for replying to dumb questions. (sorry, simply couldn't resist)
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] -
Chris Maunder wrote:
what's the best solution?
- A pint of Guinness and repeat as necessary until you can't read the question. DD excluded, he does that anyway. :laugh: Its well known that anonymity on the web brings out bold behavior because no one "knows" them and there is no fear of facing this person across a conference room table or having to answer for the behavior.
No comment
modified on Thursday, August 25, 2011 4:19 PM
Until I can NOT read the question?? Hell, half the time, you have to down a keg of NewCastle before you CAN read the question and it finally makes sense!
A guide to posting questions on CodeProject[^]
Dave Kreskowiak -
We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Because the internet is a stage and the question is such a tempting setup.
Curvature of the Mind now with 3D
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Are you grouping into this questions that are often written entirely well, because they are homework problems copied out of a textbook/exam/assignment?
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson My comedy.
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Because the internet is a stage and the question is such a tempting setup.
Curvature of the Mind now with 3D
Probably the most honest answer yet.
"I have a theory that the truth is never told during the nine-to-five hours. " — Hunter S. Thompson My comedy.
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
For me, it has nothing to do with not being able to write code, but everything to do with the OP not being able to communicate with another human being. They have no clue how to ask a question and just assume that whoever reads it can read their mind to get all the context information. "My codes wont work" or "I get an error, what's the solution" (almost verbatim, not a summary example!) just doesn't cut it. OPs don't bother posting the error message and just assume that you can see their screen. They have no idea how to communicate an idea or something they see on screen at a basic level. If you ask them questions for context or even for just the error message and the code snippet that threw it they either get all pissy and suck their underwear up their own ass because you haven't given them an answer, or just ignore the responses entirely. I've been around here for quite a long time and I've watched the quality of questions just plummet with the rise of offshoring/outsourcing/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. Being able to communicate effectively comes down to a basic education problem and there's nothing we can do about that.
A guide to posting questions on CodeProject[^]
Dave Kreskowiak -
We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Add 2 options next to the 1-5 voting. 1. A "say what?" button. If clicked enough the thread is locked until the original poster edits their question, hopefully to explain wtf they were thinking/asking. 2. A "try using Google" button. If clicked enough the post is killed similar to the message removed feature already present but change the text displayed to: "Message removed so poster can try using Google." In either case the original poster gets the message that they need to try harder.
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Chris Maunder wrote:
Why be intolerant of dumb questions?
Because this site has promoted that very thing for years here. Abusive, mocking, scornful replies that are way out of line have always been voted up, and cheered not just in the programming forums but also in the Lounge. I include myself in this list too although for at least 3 years now, I have made a very conscious effort to not only be tolerant of dumb questions but to go out of my way to aggressively respond to people who reply rudely (on occasions against some very popular members/personal friends). In the past it was not this big a problem, because the percentage or rather number of people asking dumb questions were too small to notice. But the site grew fast, too fast for some people, and now there are dozens of dumb questions asked every day so these people (many of them active CPians of many years) don't know any other way than to respond rudely. I am not sure how it's gratifying but I guess it gives them a kick for a few seconds or minutes. You (Chris) can make a change if you strongly insist that people put a stop to it. It’s your website. So it should be your responsibility to make sure you don’t silently endorse a culture of boorishness and uncalled-for contempt. Side-note: you just gotta respect John (SOP) here. For a guy whose first instinct is to hit back verbally, he is one of the politest guys in the programming forums. He is intolerant of idiots in the Lounge, but I haven’t seen him reply in an offensive and off-topic way even to some of the dumbest and haziest questions posted here.
Regards, Nish
My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
If it's just noice (insulting, gimme code plz ... etc.) remove the question If it's a novice - either answer politely or ignore it and move on Create a F.A.Q - award really good answers to frequent questions 500 points and add question and answer to F.A.Q. Let the author nominate his answer for the f.a.q. and add the answer to a f.a.q. sandbox. Set up a sandbox voting system where only members with a combined Author+Authority rating of lets say 25K can vote, voting gives you 10 points and requires a decent review of the answer. When an answer is promoted from the sandbox to the f.a.q. award reviews additional points - perhaps 50 - hopefully this will foster collaboration. Let review be a privilege - if you get, lets say -500 points for giving poor/wrong reviews you are banned for voting in the sandbox for a year. To move an answer from the sandbox to the f.a.q. should require at least 10 positive reviews It's just an idea :)
Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Why do you go search StackOverflow for the answer, MORON!?!!! [Edit]To the univoter: It's a joke![/Edit]
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
You must accept one of two basic premises: Either we are alone in the universe, or we are not alone in the universe. And either way, the implications are staggering” - Wernher von Braun -
Chris Maunder wrote:
Why be intolerant of dumb questions?
Because this site has promoted that very thing for years here. Abusive, mocking, scornful replies that are way out of line have always been voted up, and cheered not just in the programming forums but also in the Lounge. I include myself in this list too although for at least 3 years now, I have made a very conscious effort to not only be tolerant of dumb questions but to go out of my way to aggressively respond to people who reply rudely (on occasions against some very popular members/personal friends). In the past it was not this big a problem, because the percentage or rather number of people asking dumb questions were too small to notice. But the site grew fast, too fast for some people, and now there are dozens of dumb questions asked every day so these people (many of them active CPians of many years) don't know any other way than to respond rudely. I am not sure how it's gratifying but I guess it gives them a kick for a few seconds or minutes. You (Chris) can make a change if you strongly insist that people put a stop to it. It’s your website. So it should be your responsibility to make sure you don’t silently endorse a culture of boorishness and uncalled-for contempt. Side-note: you just gotta respect John (SOP) here. For a guy whose first instinct is to hit back verbally, he is one of the politest guys in the programming forums. He is intolerant of idiots in the Lounge, but I haven’t seen him reply in an offensive and off-topic way even to some of the dumbest and haziest questions posted here.
Regards, Nish
My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Good points ...
Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services
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Good points ...
Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services
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A pleasure ;)
Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services
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We all see the dumb questions posted on the site, and I've put in place mechanisms for dealing with them. You can: 1. vote to remove them (in the forums) or report them (in Quick Answers) 2. downvote them to let others know the question is substandard and move on 3. ignore it and move on Or the 4 option which is 4. Post a sarcastic or scathing reply This 4th option is favoured by some, but ultimately it's not even as helpful as option 3. All it does is upset the poster, or more often, is completely ignored and means we have a poor question and a nasty reply. If only they could get a room together and leave us alone... I've been pondering this and hence the question: Why be intolerant of dumb questions? 1. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in even bothering to phrase it uefully? 2. Because poorly phrased questions show laziness in that not even a Google search was tried? 3. Because stupid people should stay away until they are no longer stupid? 4. Because I get stupid questions all day and I don't like seeing more? Now, given the premise that if someone can't be bothered to phrase a decent question, they probably won't be receptive to abuse and sarcasm, what's the best solution?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
I personally believe
There is no such thing a dumb question only dumb answers.
But if you think a question is 'dumb' just use one of the first three options Chris mentioned. A additional option might be to point the OP in the direction of a possible solution. Perhaps he will return with a specific question about a problem he is struggling with. The type of question we would like to see.
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Chris Maunder wrote:
Why be intolerant of dumb questions?
Because this site has promoted that very thing for years here. Abusive, mocking, scornful replies that are way out of line have always been voted up, and cheered not just in the programming forums but also in the Lounge. I include myself in this list too although for at least 3 years now, I have made a very conscious effort to not only be tolerant of dumb questions but to go out of my way to aggressively respond to people who reply rudely (on occasions against some very popular members/personal friends). In the past it was not this big a problem, because the percentage or rather number of people asking dumb questions were too small to notice. But the site grew fast, too fast for some people, and now there are dozens of dumb questions asked every day so these people (many of them active CPians of many years) don't know any other way than to respond rudely. I am not sure how it's gratifying but I guess it gives them a kick for a few seconds or minutes. You (Chris) can make a change if you strongly insist that people put a stop to it. It’s your website. So it should be your responsibility to make sure you don’t silently endorse a culture of boorishness and uncalled-for contempt. Side-note: you just gotta respect John (SOP) here. For a guy whose first instinct is to hit back verbally, he is one of the politest guys in the programming forums. He is intolerant of idiots in the Lounge, but I haven’t seen him reply in an offensive and off-topic way even to some of the dumbest and haziest questions posted here.
Regards, Nish
My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
a kick for a few seconds or minutes.
Days if you milk it long enough ;P
Nishant Sivakumar wrote:
it should be your responsibility
Although Chris is ultimately responsible for his creation, it is our responsibility to be aware and perhaps self-police a bit more. Sometimes we can unknowingly go to far, as you have correctly pointed out to me. Perhaps we need to step up for each other more often.
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