Quote:
Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe
If someone asked you how to spell a common word would you respond with "Read the dictionary!"?
Anything to help with where in the manual the information might be is better than nothing. I you can't provide any help then don't respond.
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A) Yes, I have. Some people need to learn to use a dictionary, or other methods, when those are handy. Other times I have helped them spell the word (or at least helped them guess).
Often the difference is how much time I have to devote to their problem. When I say "Look it up." I'm letting them know, I am under some sort of deadline pressure, and I am efficiently pointing them in the direction of success. Other times I welcome a chat. The recipient (or the reader) needs to remember that both circumstances are possibilities, and not automatically get in a huff if they receive the short answer.
B) Step one is to read, and/or search the/a manual; and telling a person the answer they want *is* in the manual, and not in Q&A, or Frank's Blog, or ... is supplying help. Once you, as a questioner learn/accept that you have an obligation (as the person who wants the favor) to accomplish step one, then step two can be asking for help with search terms to use, or with narrowing down what section(s) to read, or ...
A short "Read the XYZ manual." reply is telling the person asking the question exactly what step one of the solution is, and allows them to return to ask more questions after they have accomplished step one.
If someone else posts a more complete answer (because they like doing other people's homework, or happen to have memorized a section/rule that is pertinent, or simply because they have spare time that they want to use in that way); good for them! But, I disagree that the shorter answer is rude. And, IMO many of the longer answers (often) reinforce a bad habit.
YMMV
Blake