Stop with the "RTFM" stuff

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by BurningQuestion

Karthik -
..snip..
However, have you noticed a lot of people's signatures lately? Some clever person altered the acronym "RTFM" to mean "Read The FIRST Manual" - a much more polite version of the original term. Many people have adopted it and put it in their signature. It is possible that the use of "RTFM" has increased because people are embracing the new variation (possibly unaware that others might not get the reference).
..snip..

I think the point Karthik is trying to make is that although it is commonly accepted to most of the people around here that it means "Read the FIRST Manual," it doesn't matter. We all know where the phrase was derived from, and that even though we've changed what the letter says, we haven't changed the meaning of the phrase.

However, I'm definitely for not just giving answers. If I can post any rules question I want, and people will just hand me the rule quoted, then why should I bother to read the manual. Although posting "RTFM" or any other one-liner, is counterproductive, perhaps when someone asks for an obvious the rule, the best thing would be to gently point them to the section or give them the rule number, and have them look it for themselves.

When debating though, always quote the rule in the post. It makes it easier for everyone.