[Chery]

Chery, I don't know how I would have survived in your time. When I say your time, I mean the time when you grew up.

I don't know what I would do without the internet.

Libraries....to be honest, I have barely ever used them. Before I went to university, I had only been to the library twice in 4 years.

The library, and all my doctor friends who gave me their books saved my life and career. You'd be surprised what treasures they have.
My favorite book for years is an autographed 'bible' from the man who wrote the book on Neurosurgery - and I worked with him for a year. That was a super experience.
I have to admit that I use the net now because my eyes can't handle books that well anymore, and I still love to read, and can eat, smoke, and relax more at home now.

As far as newbies being in a hurry, the net is not an emergency room, and they'll survive, so no problem.

[Nez]

No internet,only a library.Chery,you were lucky.When I was at school,we were so poor,we had to share copied documents,share pencils,rulers,ink,bloting paper.Oh yes,and share answers... Doh... no,that last one is'nt right :D

I remember as a child,failing to answer a question correctly,and made to stand in the corner with a dunce (idiot) hat on,for several minutes.I remember crying.At five years old,it's not a nice feeling. :mad:

Whilst on the subject of homework,I agree that not answering is the correct way to proceed.As the brother of an English teaching sister (if you remember my photo,she is the one sitting on my right at the pub),but never mind,I'm digressing.Even she has said,don't do their homework,as they will never learn to think for themselves.

To Captain Forest,before the net,there was paper,a pencil,and your brain.I hated those days :D

[Curlyben]

Awesome piece there Psi, I was reading it and laughing and some of the stupidity.

Ok so its referring to technical questions, but it's so true for any kind of forum.
Thanks for posting it.

[fredg]

Hi, Curlyben,
Good initial posted comments.
It really helps to get off steam once in a while!
If this were a perfect world with perfect people, all this would not be happening. But, as we all know, it's not.
For all of us who at one time or another, have had jobs dealing with the public in general face-to-face, it's all normal. However, when typing, reading, and trying to type something that is really what one wants to say, is different. It's hard enough sometimes to explain what one is asking face-to-face, but online is another whole ball game. That's why some of the questions asked are not really understandable, until more clarifications are added.
I have noticed one thing about the language used, in terms of typing something that looks like a texted message on a cell phone, running sentences together, no punctuation, using "u'' for "you", etc. Many companies in the US are now having classes teaching their employees how to type! This was on the National Network news in the US. Many employees can't even type up a memo so others can read it, and we're talking Management employees here! This type of problem, with celll phone usuage, has hit the US nationwide, not just on Forums of this type.
I really enjoy helping others with their questions. Whatever comes along, will be answered if possible; and I do expect all of this from the get-go. The only other alternative is to stop using Forums, turn my interests to other things with the computer.
It's a fun hobby, and I treat it as such; expecting all the normal questions, language, run-on sentences, sometimes getting rude replies back from those who ask the question, and getting replies back that make no sense at all!

Now about those 2 yr old questions being answered:
The idea of a "pop-up" saying this question is too old, and you cannot answer it, has been discussed many times. The last suggestion I heard was to not be able to answer a question that is older than 6 months. The only way to stop this is for the Administration to do it with a "pop-up". I am sure the Administration will do something about it, if and when they see it as a major problem.
That's my 2 cents worth, which can't even buy bubble gum now.
I was 64 yrs old yesterday, and there is still a lot to learn. But, having dealt with the public for many, many years, there really isn't much new that comes along anymore!
Have a great weekend.

[ScottGem]

Sounds a lot like my rants from previous issues. Unfortunately we live in an instant gratification world. Instant coffee, fast food, hi speed internet, etc. The younger generation expects things to be done quickly. They also expect answer as their due, forgetting that the answers are coming from volunteers who have already paid their dues.

But the point is we ARE volunteers. We have EVERY right to refuse to answer some questions that we feel are rude, incoherent, unethical etc. We have EVERY right to try an instruction people on the proper way to ask questions before we answer them.

While there is a competition for questions, this site seems to be among the more active. That gives us the ability to reject the lazy and the rude.

Sure we should give newbies the benefit of the doubt. Give them an initial level of respect even if they don't show it to us. But once they refuse to learn, the kid gloves can come off.

I want to help people who truly want to learn. Not people who want things handed to them in a step by step procedure they are unlikely to remember. If we teach them how to think, how to reason out the answer for themselves by giving them clues as to the direction, then we empower them to help themselves in the future. That a lot more help that saying do x, y & z.

Rant over.

[orange]

I agree with all the rants here. It's pretty interesting though to note that, people in real life are quite often like this as well, and do a lot of the same things. Anyone who has worked retail or dealt with customers or the public will know what I'm talking about here.

For example, not reading signs or instructions... I used to work in a sandwich shop, and we would have big signs at the counter telling our customers various things such as, "The special is ONLY on the ham sandwich", "Please don't ask for parking change if you're not a customer", etc... And yet practically every day people would be asking for change, or asking to have a different sandwich substituted for the one on sale. My favorite (and unbelievably frequent!) question by customers was "How long is your 8-inch hoagie?" Ummmm... 8 inches?? :rolleyes: We also had a huge clock at the front counter, yet it was not uncommon for people to ask what time it was. Many people just don't pay attention.

People also tried to be dishonest a LOT. They would try to use expired coupons, coupons from another store, etc. And when you said they were expired, they would lie and say that they just got the coupon in the mail... but of course when you looked at the coupon, it was like, 2 years old or more! Or, people would try to say they knew the owner and that he was giving them a deal. And if they didn't get exactly what they wanted, no matter how courteous or helpful you were to them, they would be rude, condescending... horrible really.

So unfortunately, my conclusion is that people in general (not everyone of course, but many!) are just rude, don't bother to take the time to read directions, and expect everything to be just handed to them on a silver platter. And yes we are volunteers here, but even if we were paid something, that still doesn't excuse rudeness for a great answer given.

[ScottGem]

It's pretty interesting though to note that, people in real life are quite often like this as well.

Many people just don't pay attention.

People also tried to be dishonest a LOT.

So unfortunately, my conclusion is that people in general (not everyone of course, but many!) are just rude, don't bother to take the time to read directions, and expect everything to be just handed to them on a silver platter. And yes we are volunteers here, but even if we were paid something, that still doesn't excuse rudeness for a great answer given.

Yes its true that what we see here is often mirrored in real life. But not to as great an extent in my experience. The anonymity of the Net tends to embolden people to do things they might not do in real life.

And I agree that people have become more unethical and dishonest. The person who would not think of shoplifting a CD from a music store will eagerly download songs from a peer to peer service.

[Chery]

Hi, Curlyben,
Good initial posted comments.
It really helps to get off steam once in a while!
If this were a perfect world with perfect people, all this would not be happening. But, as we all know, it's not.
For all of us who at one time or another, have had jobs dealing with the public in general face-to-face, it's all normal. However, when typing, reading, and trying to type something that is really what one wants to say, is different. It's hard enough sometimes to explain what one is asking face-to-face, but online is another whole ball game. That's why some of the questions asked are not really understandable, until more clarifications are added.
I have noticed one thing about the language used, in terms of typing something that looks like a texted message on a cell phone, running sentences together, no punctuation, using "u'' for "you", etc. Many companies in the US are now having classes teaching their employees how to type! This was on the National Network news in the US. Many employees can't even type up a memo so others can read it, and we're talking Management employees here! This type of problem, with celll phone usuage, has hit the US nationwide, not just on Forums of this type.
I really enjoy helping others with their questions. Whatever comes along, will be answered if possible; and I do expect all of this from the get-go. The only other alternative is to stop using Forums, turn my interests to other things with the computer.
It's a fun hobby, and I treat it as such; expecting all the normal questions, language, run-on sentences, sometimes getting rude replies back from those who ask the question, and getting replies back that make no sense at all!

Now about those 2 yr old questions being answered:
The idea of a "pop-up" saying this question is too old, and you cannot answer it, has been discussed many times. The last suggestion I heard was to not be able to answer a question that is older than 6 months. The only way to stop this is for the Administration to do it with a "pop-up". I am sure the Administration will do something about it, if and when they see it as a major problem.
That's my 2 cents worth, which can't even buy bubble gum now.
I was 64 yrs old yesterday, and there is still a lot to learn. But, having dealt with the public for many, many years, there really isn't much new that comes along anymore!
Have a great weekend.

Hey fred, belated Happy Birthday! I turned double-nickle today. Yeah, Aquarius!! Your points here were also very well put.
I always loved to write and have seen some new employees not even be able to spell the most simple words. I wonder where they went to school and how they managed to graduate. I remember reading one operating report that was typed for signature and had to laugh. The report started with: The patient was prepped and raped in the usual fashion. This stuff was on medical documents and could have been used in a legal issue - and should have been 'draped'.




Love, Chery

[orange]

Yes Happy Birthday Fred! Hope this next year is a good one for you! :)

[labman]

I am not sure about unanswered questions. In some cases it maybe best to leave them unanswered. Sort of keep quiet and let people think you are a fool, or open your mouth and remove all doubt. If somebody wonders in and sees old, unanswered question they can answer, they can see they are needed. I am not sure about the people that drop in and answer old questions, but if they have something to contribute, at least they announce they are here. I wonder how many people look back through old questions before asking one? Once in a while, somebody new will want me to expand on an answer 6 months old.

[DJ 'H']

I agree with all the rants here. It's pretty interesting though to note that, people in real life are quite often like this as well, and do a lot of the same things. Anyone who has worked retail or dealt with customers or the public will know what I'm talking about here.

For example, not reading signs or instructions... I used to work in a sandwich shop, and we would have big signs at the counter telling our customers various things such as, "The special is ONLY on the ham sandwich", "Please don't ask for parking change if you're not a customer", etc... And yet practically every day people would be asking for change, or asking to have a different sandwich substituted for the one on sale. My favorite (and unbelievably frequent!) question by customers was "How long is your 8-inch hoagie?" Ummmm... 8 inches??? :rolleyes: We also had a huge clock at the front counter, yet it was not uncommon for people to ask what time it was. Many people just don't pay attention.

People also tried to be dishonest a LOT. They would try to use expired coupons, coupons from another store, etc. And when you said they were expired, they would lie and say that they just got the coupon in the mail... but of course when you looked at the coupon, it was like, 2 years old or more! Or, people would try to say they knew the owner and that he was giving them a deal. And if they didn't get exactly what they wanted, no matter how courteous or helpful you were to them, they would be rude, condescending... horrible really.

So unfortunately, my conclusion is that people in general (not everyone of course, but many!) are just rude, don't bother to take the time to read directions, and expect everything to be just handed to them on a silver platter. And yes we are volunteers here, but even if we were paid something, that still doesn't excuse rudeness for a great answer given.

I am with you there Orange. I used to work as a Lifeguard. There are many signs surrounding pool area - one of which was "Non-Swimmers beyond this point" another "No Armbands beyound this point" - the amount of parents who did not watch their kids and allowed them to float up to the deep end with their arm bands on and the amount of non-swimmers we had to pull out of the deep end was unreal.

It did not matter how many signs were around the pool, us lifeguards had to constantly keep telling parents and keep pulling kids who could not swim out of the deep end. Teenagers were the worst. There were signs up telling them not to Bomb, or duck people etc and they would continue to do so regardless. Even after 3 verble warnings I would have to kick them out - it was unbelievable. The amount of times I heard "I didn't know" was unreal - it does not matter how many signs there are or how many times you tell them.

The teenagers even tried to play one lifeguard off another. But little did they know we exchanged information about the swimmers each time we changed shifts. If there wer kids being awkward and on verble warnings every lifeguard knew about it!

[bizygurl]

The biggest gripe I think I have is people (mostly newbies) misusing these boards for other purposes than what they are intended for. I've noticed a few threads that I literally had to ask myself "is this really a valid question, or someone just trying to be funny?" I also think that the "chatspeek" is annoying to and this isn't a chat room, although if someone has been use to chatting in a chat room, they may not be aware that chatspeak isn't the best way of going about getting there question answered. I think most newbies would understand if told them that, and would probably write in normal, legible English.
Don't let me find that thread that was in reference to wanting to have us soldiers blown up in Iraq and in the United States. That really makes my blood boil. What is even the point in posting something like that? It only makes that person sound like a complete sicko. And if it was a joke, in this day in age are people really that stupid to be posting something like that because they think its funny? AGGHHH! You did the right thing Nez, in reporting that, thank you!

[Nez]

H,I saw that post Friday,I think it was,and reported it to Rick.It was deleted very quickly.Can you imagine the outrage,if anyone of us had posted a rant about the middle east,et el.Some people just come on AMHD to stir up trouble.I could have ignored it,but without wishing to get into external politics,posts such as that have to be dealt with promptly.

[talaniman]

Not only is that chatspeak thing annoying it is downright unreadable to me,but what takes the cake are the multiple posts asking the same question by the same person,what's up with that?The thing I probably hate most are the ones who after 20-30 posts with everyone's opinion running about the same they still want more opinions,or expect different ones,I really don't know what it is their looking for but it makes you want to reach through the screen and choke somebody.As I learn more about this site though I've learned to check profiles and previous threads to stay away from the occasional nut job who wanders in,also the dates of the original post,cause I just found out that a new answer makes it a new post hmmmmm.All in all this is a great way to pass on knowledge and get knowledge even with the personality clashes that pop up here and there.:cool:

[bizygurl]

Hey you know what? I saw something the other day that proves my point in people mis using AMHD? Someone was advertising there business and they posted the thread like two or three times. I think it was for some beauty cosmetic line. That really ticked me off. This isn't a friggin' free advertisement board. How is that asking for advice? I didn't even think of repoting it. But next time I will. Rant over, lol!
I agree with you Nez, No matter what your political views are, or how you feel about a country. There is no place for that kind of post on this forum. Not only that but that threat could have easily be taken as a threat to Americans, some people, I swear!

[Chery]

Hey you know what? I saw something the other day that proves my point in people mis using AMHD? Someone was advertising there buisness and they posted the thread like two or three times. I think it was for some beauty cosmetic line. That really ticked me off. This isn't a friggin' free advertisment board. How is that asking for advice? I didn't even think of repoting it. But next time I will. Rant over, lol!
I agree with you Nez, No matter what your political views are, or how you feel about a country. There is no place for that kind of post on this forum. Not only that but that threat could have easily be taken as a threat to Americans, some people, I swear!

I agree about the sneaky advertising too, but I ignore it and not answer to it, and hope management will let them know it's wrong..

By the way, you posted two pictures, but all I get is an 'x' where the picture should be. Is this a system problem, or did management take the picture out? I know I did not change my computer and internet setup and should receive all pictures.

[DJ 'H']

Bizygurl, your attachments don't seem to be working.

[NeedKarma]

I agree about the sneaky advertising too, but I ignore it and not answer to it, and hope management will let them know it's wrong..

Chery, I find it's best to use the "Report Inappropriate Post" link for these issues. That way the mods can ban the user and/or remove the posts.

[DJ 'H']

Chery, I find it's best to use the "Report Inappropriate Post" link for these issues. That way the mods can ban the user and/or remove the posts.

That's what We did earlier this week. Some guy came on here and posted the same advertsing thread 3 times. We told him on the first one it was not allowed here and asked him nicely to stop - so he posted it 2 more times and his response was just business. Nez reported him and PM'd me to let me know he had done so - which was a good job as I was about to do it. Curlyben banned him instantly.

[Curlyben]

If there's any problems like that the best thing to do is Report the post as a reply just bumps it on the New Post list.
If you want to follow it up drop Rickj, psi42, crocivic, the Admins or I a PM and we'll see what can be done.

Normally tho' I'm around quite a bit and catch most of them, but I can't remove the posts. That's for Rickj and the Admins, but a report will let them know anyway.