What makes for a legitimate post on MajorGeeks?

I've been posting in here for a couple of weeks and just reread the FAQ but I can't get a sense as to what constitutes a legitimate post in the MajorGeeks forum as a whole (excluding the Lounge of course). If I run into a computer-related problem or my addled brain happens upon something technical that I'm ignorant about and would like info on, is it OK (after ruling out the existence of a similar thread) to just post the question here without doing a tedious, time-consuming, low yield web search first? In other words, can this forum be used a first line resource or is this one of those hard-core last resort forums where users are expected to have exhausted all other info sources before posting a query?

Honestly, I'm a bit reticent to post many of my questions in here, given that the uber-moderator of the forum is a hard-nosed, Harley-riding, sunglass-wearing computer wiz who goes by the monicker "Major Attitude". Maybe if he didn't wear the sunglasses, or preferred Yamaha bikes, or even if he called himself "Minor Attitude" I'd be less stressed out about posting.

I'm cool with it either way, just need to know.

 

IMHO, it's OK to use the forums as a first line. I sure have on numerous occasions and I'm able to offer a modicum of assistance at times to first time posters. As long as the content of the post isn't inappropriate or derogatory and the responder has enough information to work with in order to formulate a viable solution, I don't foresee any issues.

 

Hi, Rusty

The one trhing I can tell you, is sarcasm and personal attacks against anyone are never appreciated.

 

I wasn't being sarcastic. Major Attitude is, in fact, a hard-nosed, sunglass-wearing, Harley-riding computer wiz. His own posts and bio state as much. I didn't mean to suggest that that's a bad thing. It's just who he is. And I AM legitimately intimidated by him, even if I have no logical or factual reason for being so (that's just who I am). I should add that his responses to my questions have been extremely helpful, without a hint of intimidation. And you can rest assured that I will NEVER launch a personal attack on anyone, no matter what they say to me. I spent a few years on a set of extremely inflammatory newsgroups and I quickly grew bored (and ashamed) of flaming my attackers. But that's really getting off the subject of this thread. I just want to know whether it's appropriate to post questions here with the expectation that someone here has already encountered/solved the problem and can thereby save me a ton of time and frustration up front by just cutting to the chase (and of course, quid pro quo when possible).

OK, let me state my question differently. I've had computer/program problems in the past for which I've done extensive internet research. It was only in retrospect (after I truly solved the problem) that I realized that my "research" yielded far more disinformation than useful data. To my knowledge, there just aren't many quality computer forums like this one on the internet. Even the Microsoft forum dishes out frankly incorrect advice far too often (about their own product, no less). I'd rather just start out right here with my questions, and cut out all the steps where I pull out my hair while "learning" a bunch of lame "facts". Is that cool or am I expected to go the hair-pulling route first?

 

>> I can't get a sense as to what constitutes a legitimate post in the MajorGeeks forum as a whole (excluding the Lounge of course) rustysavage <<

The number one rule in any forum based site is likely the same as when calling your computer manufacturer's 800 number for a hardware problem. And that is to make sure that you never call the 800 hotline or post in any forum if you are still distracted by the frustratration with whatever that problem entails especially when you are very angry, as well.

The people in the forum who you are asking for (absolutely free of charge, mind you) assistance did not "cause" your original posters problem. Just like the DELL, HP or Asus hardware tech 800 assistance person did not actually break your computer. Both should be treated with respect. Yelling at the plummer while he's trying to fix your overstuffed toilet tends to delay and inhibit the likelihood of your getting back to a working flush - lol. Getting all corrosive and frustrated and bothered while in here diminishes and can entirely takes away from the ability to initially pay attention and then follow the forum member's steps and instruction and other hints and suggestions. There's nothing worse an original poster can do than to get all snippy.

Thank G-D or some might say - the invisible deity in the sky - that doesn't happen often in this forum as it does with many unmoderated or hardly moderated tech-related forums on the web. In here it's follow the rules - especially when asked repetitively - or pouncy pouncy and then bouncy, bouncy. Believe me the people in this terrific forum enjoy helping people, especially when the questions are written without anger or spitefulness a feeling that is oriented toward some imaginary and blown-out-of-proportion."supposed" grievance. The second rule would be to always read the 'first responses' after the original post - and to never just glance over a few and then posting again without paying attention to the potential answers to your difficulty. The moderators have their radar all over this one.As for someone who posts something sarcastic towards you remember that if a mumbling drunk curses at you and/or calls you an axx hole it does not necessarily mean that suddenly you ARE one.

Good Luck - COMP​

 

COMP, I love your analogies - twisted and spot-on :-D
Thanks for some sound advice.

 

Thank you DavidGP for a very thoughtful response. That's about as well as anyone could ever answer my rather obtuse question <big sigh of relief>

 

That's about as well as anyone could ever answer my rather obtuse question <big sigh of relief>

Don't worry Rusty, you're doing a great job in here, really... <*two thumbs-up, dude*>

I also can understand the frustration (as well as the shell-shock afterwards) that you must have gone through trying to meaningfully contribute to the newsgroups with no reciprocation at all. Those forums can often times be about as volatile as the old AOL chartroom "scream-fests" I used to see back in the days when I had the snail-like AOL dial-up, lol. The two thing I always try to remember whenever I post in any forum on the web: When you do not constantly expect a positive post or thank you (and especially praise) afterwards, you will always get far more enjoyment and satisfaction out of it. When you do receive a positive response, it is much more meaningful and rewarding when it does finally come.

And the second thing to always remember: Just because someone might act like a jerk doesn't mean you should feel compelled to them respond in kind. Always let the flamethrowers burn-out on their own, and not take you with them. Major Attitude this website's co-owner is actually extremely adept at setting the fire extinguishers upon those who continue troll and to break the rules in here; as well as hand them their hat on the way out the door after they have been continually warned not to do so. --

Good Luck - COMP​

 

Thanks for the feedback COMP. I too started out computing in the age of AOL dialup and I'll never forget what those first newsgroups were like. I didn't know complete strangers could be so very mean to each other (and to me) for no good reason but to get a rise out of somebody... anybody. Adding a few effective moderators with a reasonable code of conduct apparently makes all the difference in the world because this forum is the exact antithesis of the unmoderated lawless newsgroup flamathons that I previously frequented.

 

>> Please do not link to off site downloads. Always link to Major Geeks hosted downloads. LauraR <<

Hi Laura... Great post by the way - should be a sticky or something.

Sometimes a thread poster will ask a question to a certain a problem and a potentially needed download of a program is not available here at Major Geeks (ex: Codestuff Starter).

Is there a way or process to request that a program be added to the MajorGeeks sites downloads section (if you are not the actual program author, I mean)?

Also, it is OK to post links to a potentially useful program authors website; to solve a poster's problem - if it is not listed here and therefore is only available "off site"?

Good Luck -- COMP​

 

Just when I thought my question could not be answered any better....
I agree with COMP, LauraR's response should be a sticky post since it addresses very well an important topic not already discussed in the FAQ. Thank you LauraR for your thoughtful and illuminating post. Now we're cooking' with gas