"Support/volunteers could stand to be gracious as well"
07 / 08 / 08
annoyed
I've seen, read about, and even lamented on the sad creature known as the noob. Not to be confused with the newbie, who will generally take time out to read over as much info as they can manage before asking a question, a noob jumps right in without regard to rules, FAQs, and the like. And I can completely understand the frustrations of dealing with noobs, truly.
But on the flip side, supporters/volunteers who decide to answer a post need to have some graciousness as well. Just because one is offering their smattering of knowledge for free doesn't mean they can shovel it any way they feel. Chances are good that in doing so, they're going to make a mistake and look like an even bigger ass for it.
So, to those answering posts that show the OP has more than two braincells rubbing together:
Don't tell me "that's wrong" without an explanation, or I'll never learn anything other than to avoid you.
Don't tell me I shouldn't do that without telling me why and suggesting what I should do instead. Again, the only thing I'll learn is to keepaway.
You weren't born with that knowledge, so at some point you didn't know yourself. Therefore at one time you were no different than I am at the moment I'm asking the question. Kindly remove yourself from the highhorse or don't bother answering.
People are defensive creatures by nature. A newbie isn't a noob simply for retaliating to an obvious, unwarranted attack. Sure, a cooler head would prevail, but don't incite an argument from the standpoint of sheer arrogance.
And you're right, I don't have to stay. You're not the only game in town. I don't need you as much as you want to believe I do. You're more convenient, but hey, Google is in my bookmarks for a reason. Chances are you just hit higher up in the results the first time through.
So I will read the rules and FAQs before answering a question, thereby avoiding the risk of being a noob. In return, you answer the post in the same fashion, or don't answer at all. Either way works for me.
Sorry, spammers forced my hand. Comments reviewed before being published.
Comments: 1 wind
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So one has to wonder... Dragonspam? Or another miscellaneous group where it happens, because you're right - it totally happens in ALL of them!
Lovely descriptive difference between newbie and noob! 
( 12:00 am )