Responses

Posted by R. Berg on February 27, 2003

In Reply to: I don't understand many discussion group responses posted by janes_kid on February 27, 2003

:
: Here sometimes, and other places frequently, someone asks a questions and the response is, in affect, go look somewhere else.

: An example nearby is someone asks about '23 skidoo' and the response is in affect 'go search the archives, we've no time for your kind'

: Why do you invite people and them shove them off?

I wouldn't have thought it offensive to be directed to the archives (or to be given an off-site link when the information wanted is on a different site). Most queries here are answered by volunteers who aren't officially associated with the site and who get no tangible compensation. We donate our time to answer questions posed by strangers.

Many people ask questions without checking the archives first. If the answer is already there, telling someone where he can find the information is much like giving directions to a stranger on the street who has asked where the county courthouse is. If I tell the person which way to walk to get to the courthouse, I've done my job. I'm not also obligated to take him by the hand and walk there myself.

• Responses S. Ryan 02/27/03
  • Responses/23 skidoo Robert 03/15/03