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  3. Why be intolerant of dumb questions?

Why be intolerant of dumb questions?

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  • N Not Active

    Umm, ok...what is the point? :confused:


    No comment

    A Offline
    A Offline
    AspDotNetDev
    wrote on last edited by
    #13

    This is the point, but it's currently taken.

    Martin Fowler wrote:

    Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • C Chris Maunder

      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

      G Offline
      G Offline
      gavindon
      wrote on last edited by
      #14

      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.

      1 Reply Last reply
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      • C Chris Maunder

        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 Offline
        I Offline
        Ian Shlasko
        wrote on last edited by
        #15

        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)

        C 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • C Chris Maunder

          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

          CPalliniC Offline
          CPalliniC Offline
          CPallini
          wrote on last edited by
          #16

          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]

          In testa che avete, signor di Ceprano?

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • N Not Active

            Chris Maunder wrote:

            what's the best solution?

            1. 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

            D Offline
            D Offline
            Dave Kreskowiak
            wrote on last edited by
            #17

            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

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • C Chris Maunder

              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

              A Offline
              A Offline
              Andy Brummer
              wrote on last edited by
              #18

              Because the internet is a stage and the question is such a tempting setup.

              Curvature of the Mind now with 3D

              W 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • C Chris Maunder

                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

                W Offline
                W Offline
                wizardzz
                wrote on last edited by
                #19

                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.

                C 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • A Andy Brummer

                  Because the internet is a stage and the question is such a tempting setup.

                  Curvature of the Mind now with 3D

                  W Offline
                  W Offline
                  wizardzz
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #20

                  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.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • C Chris Maunder

                    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

                    D Offline
                    D Offline
                    Dave Kreskowiak
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #21

                    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

                    S C 2 Replies Last reply
                    0
                    • C Chris Maunder

                      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

                      T Offline
                      T Offline
                      thrakazog
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #22

                      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.

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • C Chris Maunder

                        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

                        N Offline
                        N Offline
                        Nish Nishant
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #23

                        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

                        E N R M C 6 Replies Last reply
                        0
                        • C Chris Maunder

                          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

                          E Offline
                          E Offline
                          Espen Harlinn
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #24

                          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

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • C Chris Maunder

                            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

                            T Offline
                            T Offline
                            TheGreatAndPowerfulOz
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #25

                            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

                            R 1 Reply Last reply
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                            • N Nish Nishant

                              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

                              E Offline
                              E Offline
                              Espen Harlinn
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #26

                              Good points ...

                              Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services

                              N 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • E Espen Harlinn

                                Good points ...

                                Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services

                                N Offline
                                N Offline
                                Nish Nishant
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #27

                                Thanks Espen!

                                Regards, Nish


                                My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com

                                E 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • N Nish Nishant

                                  Thanks Espen!

                                  Regards, Nish


                                  My technology blog: voidnish.wordpress.com

                                  E Offline
                                  E Offline
                                  Espen Harlinn
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #28

                                  A pleasure ;)

                                  Espen Harlinn Senior Architect, Software - Goodtech Projects & Services

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • C Chris Maunder

                                    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

                                    A Offline
                                    A Offline
                                    Andre Kraak
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #29

                                    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.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • N Nish Nishant

                                      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

                                      N Offline
                                      N Offline
                                      Not Active
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #30

                                      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.


                                      No comment

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • C Chris Maunder

                                        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

                                        L Offline
                                        L Offline
                                        Lost User
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #31

                                        What's the best solution? What sort of a question is that? Can't you use google? Sarcasm aside, may I suggest a voting button, on answers only, to "mark answer as sarcastic and totally unhelpful" Any answer marked as such to remain visible but unvotable and only the author allowed to remove it, or mark it for appeal. Such a reply should reduce the users points by 100 for a firs toffees, 500 for a second and 1000 subsequently. An appealed answer, failing it's appeal, should have points deduction doubled. Possibly those losing more than 5000 points to have answering rights removed, which would be helpful for those not bothered about their pointy reputation. Kick 'em where it hurts.

                                        MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way ___________________________________________ Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011 .\\axxx (That's an 'M')

                                        M CPalliniC 2 Replies Last reply
                                        0
                                        • C Chris Maunder

                                          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

                                          Mike HankeyM Offline
                                          Mike HankeyM Offline
                                          Mike Hankey
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #32

                                          I don't see you could do other than maybe displaying a reminder:

                                          Did you google this subject before posting?
                                          Did you do any research at all?
                                          Are you googly challenged?

                                          because;

                                          1. There are always going to be stupid people.
                                          2. There are always going to be lazy people.
                                          3. There are always going to be arrogant people.
                                          4. And finally my favorite, there are always going to be smart a&&es.

                                          My 2 sense!

                                          A girl phoned me and said, 'Come on over. There's nobody home.' I went over. Nobody was home! Rodney Dangerfield

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