Thoughts about private messages vs. public threads

[Curtis N]

I'm not sure why people think I'm so smart, but I am now receiving at least a few PMs each day from people with technical questions of one kind or another. I have no doubt that numerous other POTN members get as many or more PMs of a similar nature, pertaining to their area of expertise.

And I want to be clear that I am happy to answer such questions in PMs to the best of my ability and normally I do my best to provide the needed info. I am not annoyed by questions. After all this is a place to share information, and few things in life are as enjoyable as helping others learn. So if you are one of those who has asked me a question via PM, I assure you I am not complaining.

But if you have a question and are considering asking it via private message, I ask you to ponder these points:

1) If you ask a question privately, you will only get one answer, one person's opinion. Even if it's a right answer, it may not be the only right answer. Worse yet, it could be a wrong answer. Believe me, I have been wrong before, and my "full of crap" title is well-deserved. However, if you ask the question in a public thread, you will often get many answers. There may be several that agree, which gives you assurance of validity. If someone posts bad information, this is usually brought to light by others. Most importantly, you will get ideas. People will not only provide answers, but also links to more information, and other suggestions for improving your skills.

2) If you ask a question privately, only one person benefits from the answer. You. However, if you ask it in a public thread, everyone can benefit from the discussion. If there is something you don't understand, you can bet there are thousands of others who share your confusion, and they will all benefit. The tremendous value of forums like this lies in the open sharing of information and ideas. By asking a question publicly, you capitalize on the awesome power of the internet. Open sharing of information is the whole reason Al Gore invented this internet in the first place!

3) There are no stupid questions. None of us were born with the knowledge and skills to enjoy photography. We all had to learn somehow, and this forum is full of people who are eager to share what others have taught them. Even the most basic questions are answered respectfully. On those rare occasions when someone responds in a disrespectful manner, he gets put in his place pretty quick. That's what's special about POTN. You should never be embarrassed about publicly asking an honest question. In fact, you will be considered a hero to hundreds of other people who had the same question but were afraid to ask!

4) If you ask a question privately, you'll never know when the recipent will be online to read it, or have the time to respond. Some of POTN's most knowledgeable members only check in a few times a month (maybe they're actually busy making pictures?). However, if you ask in a public thread, it will most likely get an answer of some sort within a few hours. POTN never sleeps!

There are always situations where a private message is the appropriate way to communicate. It's a great capability of this forum. But let's not forget that this forum was created for open discussions about Canon digital cameras, and photography in general. And when we discuss things openly, everyone benefits.

[condyk]

That is damn fine prose King Curt and grounded in good quality, community orientated thinking ... also, I like that at least some folks here get nice PM's from 'fans'.

[In2Photos]

I get one or two every now and then and I too don't mind answering them. But Curtis is right, others miss out on the information.

My recommendation is to start a new thread with the question asked in quotes (you can leave the person anonymous) and then provide your answer. Send the person a PM with a link to the thread and why you started the thread.

[Curtis N]

Originally Posted by In2Photos

My recommendation is to start a new thread with the question asked in quotes (you can leave the person anonymous) and then provide your answer. Send the person a PM with a link to the thread and why you started the thread.

I like that idea, and I might use it from time to time!

[Hermeto]

Very well said, Curtis N!
You are officially full of sense!

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Being the King of Buy and Sell, I'll very often get questions about selling, asking "is this a good deal", and "how much should I ask?" questions. I also tend to get a lot of questions about wedding stuff (tim, do you get this?). I don't mind answering, but I also get one or two a day. I think it's slowing down my posting! I'm at over 2 posts per day less than I was a few weeks ago!

[Scottes]

Definitely well said, and I agree whole-heartedly. Say it in the forum - that's what forums are for!

[crn3371]

Well said, Curtis. Besides, who would want to pm someone who is"officially full of crap" any way?

[HarleyQuinn]

Originally Posted by Ronald S. Jr.

Being the King of Buy and Sell, I'll very often get questions about selling, asking "is this a good deal", and "how much should I ask?" questions. I also tend to get a lot of questions about wedding stuff (tim, do you get this?). I don't mind answering, but I also get one or two a day. I think it's slowing down my posting! I'm at over 2 posts per day less than I was a few weeks ago!

Darn it! And I sent my "is this a good buy" question to Belmondo.

[NickSimcheck]

Yeah I get that a lot too, but usually it's gear-orented..Somebody asking how I like the new flash or do you have the same problem when you do this or that.

Information which should be shared with others.

Whudda gonna do?

[steveathome]

You are right Curtis, but there is another side to this too.

I have (not that frequently) asked advice, but normally for a specific item that I know that particular person uses. One thing I cant stand is some of the negativity that goes on here, and the "I'm right and your wrong arguments". So if I know that someone has a fair knowledge of a product, I may send a pm.

I had to post this, as I just pm'd Condyk about hand-grips, and after reading this post felt the need to exonerate myself

It also lets Condy know he has fans too

[condyk]

Originally Posted by steveathome

It also lets Condy know he has fans too

Cheers pal ... yer've increased my self-esteem 100 fold but hope you ain't a stalker Mostly I get insults from semi-illiterates

[steveathome]

"A stalker" hell no, thats not my game.

By the way Condy, you left your car interior light on last night.

[condyk]

Originally Posted by steveathome

"A stalker" hell no, thats not my game. By the way Condy, you left your car interior light on last night.

I don't have a car, but my neighbour complained to me this morning that she saw what she thought was a guy dressed in a pink lacey bra and manties set peering through the rear window of her Vauxhall Astra

[tim]

I get a few a week, it was more but as I get more blunt the PMs go down... which might explain a few things...

"There are no stupid questions... just stupid people" - Mr Macky, South Park.