Help requests

[Conk]

I generally don't like to complain but I fell like I need to put out a message.
It is all too often that I am reading posts from people asking for camera software packages, updates, drivers, how does this work and does my camera do this. The post usually starts " I just bought a S200 digital camera and...".
Normally I like to help as much as I can and even sometimes too much where my suggestion may turn out to be the wrong one but what is starting to irritate me is that it seems people aren't doing there own research. Isn't it obvious that the best place to get a driver for your Canon camera might be on the Canon home page? Don't people use search engines such as Google?
Granted, I have found a lot of my information right here at this forum but not information about my camera that is right in my own manual.

[slejhamer]

Your camera came with a manual?



















:p

[Roger_Cavanagh]

What's a manual?

































Some kind of Spanish waiter?





















:D

[bigdave]

Well Colin, I agree with you to a certain degree. Before I bought my camera, I researched for about 2 months. I hadn't even bought the device yet and I already memorized the functions i'd use as well as functions in the software I use to retrieve the photos. Although I'm dissappointed in others who haven't put forth HALF this kind of effort, I know that not everyone has the time or the patience to find the answer to their own problem.

I used to work in retail at CompUSA, and people would do all kinds of silly things. *pointing to system requirements* "Will this work on my Computer." I sympathize with your irritation, but no matter how much we gripe, it's not gonna make it any better. The number of people who know how to use the internet is quickly rising, so the annoyances will go away in time.

[LowTechMan]

As a newbee to digital photography, but not message boards, I understand what your'e saying. It seems many times the answer is about two threads away from the posters question. I'll make a deal with you, I'll try not to ask too many dumb questions if you promise to take it easy on me when I do.....and I promise to pick up the manual from time to time. My comprehension of the manual is another matter entirley though. ??? All the help IS appreciated, at least by me!!! I wish everyone would do a little more reading before they post. Thanks!

[Conk]

bigdave wrote:
The number of people who know how to use the internet is quickly rising, so the annoyances will go away in time.


Yes Dave I suppose you're right. I just kinda blows me away to see some post that they just got a new A40 and don't know where to get the driver.
This example post is what makes me shake my head.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6342

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Conk wrote:
bigdave wrote:
The number of people who know how to use the internet is quickly rising, so the annoyances will go away in time.


Yes Dave I suppose you're right. I just kinda blows me away to see some post that they just got a new A40 and don't know where to get the driver.
This example post is what makes me shake my head.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6342

The number of knowledgeable users may be rising fast, but I doubt me that it's rising as fast as the number of users per se. You can choose to ignore posts that ask questions that you believe the poster should be able to answer themselves with a modicum of effort, or you can choose to help. I don't think it's very fair to single out someone's post and, in effect, say "look how freakin' stupid this person is!". It also doesn't do your blood pressure any good. :)

There are standards of ettiquette that should be observed by participants in forums such as these, but how are newcomers to learn these standards except by participating. "Common sense" you might think would be helpful, but sometimes common sense only comes from years of experience.

In the spirit of community support, I suggest the following common sense guidelines and invite additional suggestions:

If you have bought a piece of fancy equipment like a camera, PC or printer, or piece of software:

- take the time to read the manual,
- go to the vendor's web site and find out what other resources are there (tips, FAQ)
- do a search (Google?) to identify sites that may offer areticles with help and advice

If you go to a web site such as this with a question:

- check of the FAQ and help pages
- find out how to search the forums
- try a few searches before posting a question that may have been answered before

If you do post a question:

- try to use a subject line that give some idea of what your problem is. "Please help" may evoke some sympathy the first few times, but will soon get ignored.

- consider whether you have provided sufficient information for someone to help you. "I have just bought the D60, what lens should I buy?", "My printer won't print - any ideas?" are not great questions.

If you post a question or reponse:

- Be polite.

- Don't shout (use all capitals).

- Lay out your post so that it's easy to read. Using all lower case letters, limited punctuation, and no paragraph spacing is not very friendly.

- Don't be sarcastic. Something that wouldn't offend in a face-to-face conversation does not always come across well in writing.

- Consider using emoticons like the smiley face :) to make it clear you are joking.

I'm sure there are more things that should be added to this list.

Regards,

[bigdave]

That is a VERY good list. Now let's just hope that the new users of this forum will stumble upon it.

[Conk]

I agree Roger and posting that example probably wasn't the best thing to do. I definately wasn't trying to single any one out to say "Look how stupid he is". I am more inclined to think it was an oversight. I am sinserely sorry to have offended anyone.
It had crossed my mind to delete the post but then it wouldn't be real. I'll live with that mistake. I guess it just goes to show that I'm just as near sighted as the people I'm complaining about. :eyes

[slejhamer]

There's a search feature on this site ?? !!














:p








(Just keeping the thread going. Call it ego satisfaction, bad humor, or whatever you want. Cheers!)



(P.S. Roger, I was revisiting your website and came across your "Okay, I've got the camera, now what?" page. Very relevant, esp. RTFM. Your site was very helpful to me in the "early days," especially the tips, tricks and links to other useful sites. Good show!)