[wp-forums] Err, spiraling out of control?

[Podz]

Michael B wrote:
> On 4/4/06, Podz <podz at tamba2.org.uk> wrote:
>>> http://wordpress.org/support/topic/67498?replies=16
>> Regardless of anyone's site, opinions or otherwise if they ask for help
>> we should give it.
> 
> That's not always the case, is it?  I mean, in general, splog-ish sites,
> even WP powered, don't really get forum love.

True - but I'd like to think we know the difference and the reasons for it.

>> A couple of years ago or even more recently people would come to the
>> forums having tons of errors. I remember someone with over 460 - but
>> forums help and people did and the post people make when together with
>> forum helpers they make their site validate is wonderful to read - you
>> can tell they are really pleased. And isn't that why we do it?
> 
> 
> Absolutely, but even some gentle ribbing aside, when someone who has no idea
> what the problem is responds with:
> 
>> Thanks anyway. That's not the issue. How about staying on topic, please.
> 
> 
> people tend to get turned off. It wasn't like he asked, "Why should I
> validate?"

That is OUR fault for not communicating the need properly. The OP is 
confused, frustrated and we need to be clear about what will help and 
why it will help.

Hence:
>> Someone write a really good post about validation and why it's important

> 
> When did we get all elite? When did we raise the bar for all questions?
>> When did we decide that we want it good before we move to help?
> 
> Sorta like being a doctor only wanting to work with pretty little kids with
> running noses and avoiding the lepers...

I have no idea what that means. Not a clue. If there is an implication, 
it just whooooshed over my head.

We all have bad days. We all get frustrated - but we don't have to be 
there, users do because the forum is a source of help not further 
aggravation.
We are meant to be calm, level-headed and able to see the problem 
clearly even though they cannot. And unless we communicate properly then 
we are failing to do what we go there to do - help.
So what if it takes 20 lines to type not 3 + a link?

P.