Life today as we know it

[Shadow Catcher]

I think the 'don't want to look through or read a lot of threads' to try and find an answer is close to the mark, and to a certain extent a valid concern. This forum is difficult to search but not as difficult as say the iRV2 forum and if you think you see repetitive questions here you should see what happens there. I have a folder on my desk top of stock answers, and for iRV2 most of the electrical answers start with "a VOM is your friend" you start with where you have power and go till you do not, and the problem is between those points.
However I realize most folks never never assembled a Heath kit or learned to install or work on wiring and haven't a clue where to even look for or how to search for the information they need. How do you search for something when you do not have the word/language.
One of the theoretical understandings of education and how you build knowledge comes from Lev Vgotski who talks about "scaffolding", you have to have a certain level of understanding/knowledge to build on before you can rise to the next level. This comes from what he called a "more knowledgeable other, MKO". This can take the form of a person, media, books, youtube... and this forum. So Gage have a care, you should realize folks are standing on the ground and have not made it to the first level of the scaffold, and as with all scaffolds you need fall protection when you are on them, and we the MKO's are that protection.

[parnold]

And to think Paul, you asked me to be your friend on Facebook. It wasn't me that asked you.

Gage: On many subjects, I respect and value your opinion.

I have many people I consider "friends"(in the loose internet way) both here and on Facebook, the majority of them have different opinions on many subjects than I do. Even real life friends, I do not choose based on opinions, but rather on the overall value of the person.

I feel your judgement was based on a knee jerk reaction with not much thought put into the myriad of reasons a person may not be able to either navigate the forum's search function, or perhaps not have the time to sift through the information. I happen to have a lot of time to spend on the computer researching things, others, perhaps due to a more dynamic family situation, may only spend a few minutes at a time on the computer, or may be technically challenged and can't figure out things without the assistance (I often chuckle at my 86 year old father's questions regarding the computer).

There are many that are just plain lazy, but in an environment where there are very few clues as to which situation the person may fall in to, I try to be very slow in criticism.

Read on my friend, and ignore the posts that annoy you, or better yet, put together a "Gage's Help File for questions that have been asked a million times". A topic such as this, while pointing out that the questions have been asked over and over, would be of help to new people, and if made a sticky, might just curtail a few of the questions. A simple post with links to some of the past answers might be extremely useful the challenged as well as the "lazy".

[Woodbutcher]

I would like to make one more point. This forum, like most all forums, are revolving doors of people. Some stop by and just get the info they are wanting and when they complete their trailer they are gone. Others strike up freindships and stay after their trailers are done. They then start asking questions about curtains, graphics, paper towel holders and the like. They stay because they like the people and the climate on this board. Some are here without even having a trailer. All good! It's a mix of people and ideas that are woven around teardrops and camping. No question in my opinion regardless of it's content should be criticized. If you find the question annoying for any reason, pass it by without comment. How hard is that? Some would say that is common sense, others would taunt the questioner. As people cycle in and out, questions that are new to some have benn asked over and over again by those that have been here for years. But lets be serious. No question can not be answered by searching the internet. There are no original questions anymore. Sometimes people ask a question because they want to start a conversation. What's the harm? I have not replied to some questions but I will never tell anyone to go search for themselves. This is one of the best forums I am on. My hope is that it stays that way.

[wagondude]

There are good points on both sides here. The main thing I have noticed (here and other boards) is that there is always a thread pinned somewhere with how to do something (pictures was the example) viewforum.php?f=26 . Most want to get to the fun stuff right away and skip over those threads. Then they have to ask how to do it. I always find it is best to just respond with a link to the information section without further comment. Notice I did not link directly to the picture posting threads, just the information forum. They still have to find their answer, but they would now be pointed in the right direction. Being annoyed by the question leads to snippy comments that make people feel unwelcome. Now sometimes more direct influence is required (such as when someone joins just to post something for sale)

[DTCOOPER]

You know Gage, you sure are a salty old codger... Salty in the truest sense of the word. A little salt helps the taste of food, and preserves meat. But too much of it, and the food is ruined.
I've probably forgotten more "techy stuff" than you'll ever know. Yet when someone asks a question on one of the 5 forums I'm a member of, I am eager to help them. Granted it does get tiresome. But wouldn't I rather be known as someone who helps when possible, has the answers, etc; Than some rude burro who ridicules people for not knowing the things I know? Let's write some actual HTML code instead of just using your img and url tags.. Then we can discuss how "technically savy" you may be. I won't contest that you may be the smartest man on the planet.. But I must ask: were you born that way ?

You might be the most savy person here (not really, but giving you the benefit of the doubt). But if you keep trying to ridicule and run people off, you'll definitely succeed in being the ONLY one here. Can't we all just get along? If you don't want to answer a question, then don't.

[bobhenry]

Wow !

What fun we have here in the sandbox !

[Gage]

You know Gage, you sure are a salty old codger... Salty in the truest sense of the word. A little salt helps the taste of food, and preserves meat. But too much of it, and the food is ruined.
I've probably forgotten more "techy stuff" than you'll ever know. Yet when someone asks a question on one of the 5 forums I'm a member of, I am eager to help them. Granted it does get tiresome. But wouldn't I rather be known as someone who helps when possible, has the answers, etc; Than some rude burro who ridicules people for not knowing the things I know? Let's write some actual HTML code instead of just using your img and url tags.. Then we can discuss how "technically savy" you may be. I won't contest that you may be the smartest man on the planet.. But I must ask: were you born that way ?
You might be the most savy person here (not really, but giving you the benefit of the doubt). But if you keep trying to ridicule and run people off, you'll definitely succeed in being the ONLY one here. Can't we all just get along? If you don't want to answer a question, then don't.

Well one thing for sure is that I don't point fingers point or call names. And you know nothing about me so have another cup of coffee and relax. Just for the hell of it, you might go back to the first post of this thread and read it again and then each post following (slowly). HTML coding , seems to me I was working HTML coding in the late 70's. I believe that was before 'windows' but I don't brag about it like some do.

[DTCOOPER]

You know Gage, you sure are a salty old codger... Salty in the truest sense of the word. A little salt helps the taste of food, and preserves meat. But too much of it, and the food is ruined.
I've probably forgotten more "techy stuff" than you'll ever know. Yet when someone asks a question on one of the 5 forums I'm a member of, I am eager to help them. Granted it does get tiresome. But wouldn't I rather be known as someone who helps when possible, has the answers, etc; Than some rude burro who ridicules people for not knowing the things I know? Let's write some actual HTML code instead of just using your img and url tags.. Then we can discuss how "technically savy" you may be. I won't contest that you may be the smartest man on the planet.. But I must ask: were you born that way ?
You might be the most savy person here (not really, but giving you the benefit of the doubt). But if you keep trying to ridicule and run people off, you'll definitely succeed in being the ONLY one here. Can't we all just get along? If you don't want to answer a question, then don't.

Well one thing for sure is that I don't point fingers point or call names. And you know nothing about me so have another cup of coffee and relax. Just for the hell of it, you might go back to the first post of this thread and read it again and then each post following (slowly). HTML coding , seems to me I was working HTML coding in the late 70's. I believe that was before 'windows' but I don't brag about it like some do.

You make a totally useless post, with no purpose other than to ridicule and degrade people who lack the skills that you do.. Of course, that's a common flare to your threads.
You're not bragging though?? Then why make the post to begin with?
And calling people out by name? You're right.. So from now on I'll refer to you as the "Grey bearded know it all guy, from California, who has a picture of a station wagon pulling a silver tear drop, in his signature".. That way people just MIGHT know who I'm talking about. But since I didn't call you directly by name, you can't ridicule me for it.

I'd venture to say that your OP here was worse than calling someone out by name. Had you done that, at least it would have alienated only one person. However, the way you did it, leaves open the possibility for a lot of people to be offended or insulted by your comment.

The bad thing about stirring up a poop storm is that you're bound to get some on ya.. So if you refrain from stirring them up; your boots are much more likely to stay clean.

And by the way: the proper term is "could NOT care less".. "Could care less" implies that you do care about a topic. But I digress.

[PaulC]

I see no problems with Gage's original observation. It happens. Check Steve Trippers Listing, it has all the answers but people either don't look or won't look for themselves.

In saying that, if certain people continue to ignore the one basic rule we have( no fighting), I will have no option but to lock this thread. Furthermore, I will discuss this with the other Admins re further action being taken.

Cheers
Paul

[KE5PPH]

Newbie here, I agree with Gage, most are just lazy. I've been reading thread after thread. the answers are there, BUT in my case answers often generate more questions. Subtle wording can greatly change the response. After having done about half the site, the answers are there.

[S. Heisley]

1) I don't mind the "What color should I paint my trailer" questions, especially in the winter, when the forum postings are slow anyway.
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2) I don't mind the picture-posting types of questions; but I do sometimes ignore them, figuring I'll give someone else the chance to feel good about answering and helping. Gage, you could do the same. Just skip over them and let someone else have the fun that you don't see. It's okay to do that.
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3) After a bit of time, if nobody has answered a question, I'll sometimes take a stab at it. That will often cause someone else to "speak" up; and, that's good.
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That's part of what this forum is about: helping each other, and conversing, even about the little stuff that someone could find on their own. I still have warm feelings for the person who spoke up and helped me when I was new to JCL and working with mainframe computers, 30 years ago. She didn't have to help me. She could have let me struggle, reading through tons of pages; but, she was a warm and caring individual.

It's kind of like driving in some place new to you. You could look at a map or use GPS or Mapquest or Google Map. However, sometimes, that's not the best way, especially if you're towing a trailer and the ways you have found may take you up a 10% grade, a road with too many drop-offs and sharp curves or on a desolate highway or even bad road construction. If you ask someone who is familiar, they're happy to tell you, "Don't go that way....This other way is a better road." The guy who cares enough to respond may know of a shortcut or better way of getting where you want to be, whether it be a destination on a highway or posting a picture. It's about learning and sharing, caring and helping.

So if it makes you angry, just skip it and stay silent. It'll be their gain.

(........................................................Then again, a little tiff, now and then, adds to the spice of life!)

[Gage]

What are you talking about Sharon? Go back and read the first post of this thread slowly. I'm talking about the simple questions that can be self-answered with a little common sense or just taking a little time and thinking about it.
I have a question that I'll bet very few have an answer for.

Does anyone read 'Threads about the forum!' section? Many of the simple questions are answered in that section. Didn't know that did you?

[S. Heisley]

Sorry, Gage. I think my post went right over your head. I guess you'll never get it. That's okay. Your comments add spice, provided ya don't have too heavy a hand.

[48Rob]

Troll...?


Rob

[Gage]

Sorry, Gage. I think my post went right over your head. I guess you'll never get it. That's okay. Your comments add spice, provided ya don't have too heavy a hand.

Sorry, I guess it did. A couple of so called members on this thread have put me in a defensive mode and I'm just not reading things slowly enough myself. I guess it's about time to ask Admin to lock this thread up before all H_ll breaks lose.