Most annoying replies to requests for help.

1) You can search for the answer on Google.

2) I know the answer but I'm not going to tell you as you will learn more if you find out for yourself.

3) Here's the answer to a different question.

4) I don't know the answer, but I've spotted something else in your code which I think is bad practice.

5) Gosh I'd like to help but I have less clue than you do. I'd try this (doesn't work).

6) Here is some code to do it (doesn't run. obviously not tested)

7) Here is some code which does something else.

8) I don't know the answer to the problem - why don't you do it a different way.

9) Why do you want to do that anyway?

11) It's easy. I'll come back later when I have time and tell you. (Never comes back.)

12) I've got some code to do that. I'll post it soon. (Never posts it.)

13) You can buy a book and find out how to do it.

14) Here are some very vague remarks. You can waste your time trying to figure out what I mean and whether I know what I'm talking about.

15) Here's a link to another post which may be in the same general area but does not help with the problem.

All these are real replies. To spare blushes I have resisted the temptation to link to the posts. To be fair, some of the questions are just as irritating!

:D To be fair, most of those above are sometimes warranted...

Most annoying questions posted in VB forums

1. I can't work out how to do 1+1 (Has no brain, is not worthy of any helpful reply)

2. Got any code (has not given the problem 1 second of his time, has no initiative. Also not worthy of my time)

3. "how to making the form2 from in another fom" (If you can't form sentence then you certainly won't understand the ones I intend to use in response to you, which is probably just as well because you'd be offended anyway, you cretinous imbecile)

4. I GET A PROBLEM WHEN I RUN MY CODE HELP ME THANKS IN ADVANCE (never comes back to say thanks for the reply that does solve the problem. Politeness costs nothing, if I help you out then please take the time to say thank you. If you don't I'll kill you.)

5. (in codebank) Problem with x. (invariably by members with < 10 post count, they should all be summarily killed anyway just for being thick)




I'm in such a bad mood today and I have no idea why. Must be the hormones.

*Looks at post Brian's post count*
*Looks at Brian's reputation*

Try answering peoples questions and maybe you'll see why people sometimes get those responses.

And as wossy shows, it can be very difficult to answer someones question when they don't ask it properly, or aren't enlgish and can't form complete sentences.

As for the "search the forums" response..some people get tired of telling a user how to open a text file 30 times a day.

1.) Gimme code to do this. Or a PM saying the same thing.

2.) Here is a vague attached program example of something you may want but I dont understand programming enough to be able to give you a code example so here you go figure it out yourself and try an solve your problem. (Posted allot by someone we all know)

3.) Here is a Google search listing of things similar to your code problem.

4.) I dont understand code examples. Write the specific code for my program or write all the code for my program.

5.) I get an error. (doesnt say what error or what line)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobDog888

1.) Gimme code to do this. Or a PM saying the same thing.

2.) Here is a vague attached program example of something you may want but I dont understand programming enough to be able to give you a code example so here you go figure it out yourself and try an solve your problem. (Posted allot by someone we all know)

3.) Here is a Google search listing of things similar to your code problem.

4.) I dont understand code examples. Write the specific code for my program or write all the code for my program.

5.) I get an error. (doesnt say what error or what line)

---

If you can do all that for me, I'll definately give you a rating - I might even say "thanks"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobDog888

2.) Here is a vague attached program example of something you may want but I dont understand programming enough to be able to give you a code example so here you go figure it out yourself and try an solve your problem. (Posted allot by someone we all know)

---

Our favourite little guy has a new post in the VB forums I noticed :lol:

Another annoying forum habit... people who start threads, and then abandon them....Never to reply again...

Tg

The Mother of all Annoying Replies, either Posted or PM'd...

Quote:

---

Please give me Reps...

---

There are too many members to list and not to mention the repeat offenders. :lol:

People actually PM you to rep them??

Jeeze, I hope ya neg rep them for it :thumb:

post counts can be achieved by spammers or those who only come to the forums to ask questions..whereas reps only come from helping others out :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

1) You can search for the answer on Google.

2) I know the answer but I'm not going to tell you as you will learn more if you find out for yourself.

3) Here's the answer to a different question.

4) I don't know the answer, but I've spotted something else in your code which I think is bad practice.

5) Gosh I'd like to help but I have less clue than you do. I'd try this (doesn't work).

6) Here is some code to do it (doesn't run. obviously not tested)

7) Here is some code which does something else.

8) I don't know the answer to the problem - why don't you do it a different way.

9) Why do you want to do that anyway?

11) It's easy. I'll come back later when I have time and tell you. (Never comes back.)

12) I've got some code to do that. I'll post it soon. (Never posts it.)

13) You can buy a book and find out how to do it.

14) Here are some very vague remarks. You can waste your time trying to figure out what I mean and whether I know what I'm talking about.

15) Here's a link to another post which may be in the same general area but does not help with the problem.

All these are real replies. To spare blushes I have resisted the temptation to link to the posts. To be fair, some of the questions are just as irritating!

---

In solving a problem, one of the hardest things, is communicating exactly what your problem is, good programmers aren't the best coders, they are the best communicators; those who are able to accuratly describe their ideas and creative thinking in order to pass on their knowledge to others.

However, as with most dialogs, communication is two way. It is not only the person solving your problem who needs to be clear and concise, you also need to be clear and concise in describing your problem and show those who you would like to give their time for free by helping you, that you have a clear understanding of the problem too.

Many members put a lot of time and effort into assisting others. A service which you often have to pay a lot of money for. Sometimes, you will be pointed in the direction of similar code. It is then up to you to make the effort to adapt and make any changes neccessary to merge it into your application. A reply saying, "thanks for pointing me towards that sample. Here is what I've done with it ..[source code], but I am having the following problems ...." is a lot better than "this code doesn't work in my program"

In conclusion, I fail to see exactly what you are complaining about. Each point you make in some way or another describes the helpful nature of the members on this forum. The fact that these members solve hundreds of problems, all to the satisfaction and sometimes beyond of the user who asked it, says that maybe the problem lies at your end. I suggest that you consider this the next time you decide to publicly complain about the helpful nature of the people here. :)

P.s: Please do post the links to the posts. I'm sure they won't show anyone up but yourself. ;)

Ouch! What a burn ;)

Moved to Forum Feedback

The problem resides mostly in new members, rude members and new (to programing) members.

First ones are not familiar with the forum and dont notice the search feature so sometimes ask questions that have been asked before (like mentioned, you have to answer 3 times a day on how to load text files)

Second ones get state their problem and expect people to do everything for them. Or post the projects they need done for school, or their homework. They make no effort to try and understand the problem and to work it out themselves with the help of other members here. They have an attitude like we are all sitting here and waiting just to do work for them. They bump their posts every 2 minutes and get angry if they dont get the solution in 15 minutes.

Third group are people that are new to programing and don't yet know how to describe their problem. But if they want, they learn quickly, so it is not a big problem.

The worst case is when the three groups are combined in one preson. So you get someone here, that has almost no knowledge of programing and wants someone else to do the project for them, and don't want to do anything themselves.
And the thing is that there are a lot of people here that will help as much as doing the entire project. So when asking try to be polite and understand the person that is trying to help you, and you will see that miracles can happen. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by visualAd

...In conclusion, I fail to see exactly what you are complaining about. Each point you make in some way or another describes the helpful nature of the members on this forum. The fact that these members solve hundreds of problems, all to the satisfaction and sometimes beyond of the user who asked it, says that maybe the problem lies at your end. I suggest that you consider this the next time you decide to publicly complain about the helpful nature of the people here. :)

P.s: Please do post the links to the posts. I'm sure they won't show anyone up but yourself. ;)

---

OUCH !!! But I second that ! :thumb:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobDog888

The Mother of all Annoying Replies, either Posted or PM'd...

Quote:

---

Please give me Reps...

---

---

Or IM'd. ;)

Or Emailed (yes folks, I actually received an email from a member requesting reps. :rolleyes: )

Perhaps we should embarrass them by posting their Posts, PMs, IM, and Emails? :lol: (Just kidding ;))

That's not a bad idea RD ... :p

I know but it wouldnt be too ethical ;) but it would probably reduce the requests. :lol: Jk

And what about signatures telling people to rate posts?

Most people have it saying "If someone has helped you, rate their post"

You're the only greedy one with "Have I helped you? Please rate my posts."
j/k
:D

Correct and if someone has "Give me Reps" or "Rate my posts" it can actually backfire on them by turning off members from rating them because they may feel they are "asking" for Reps. ;) (Sorry JR :))

A generic non-directed universal statement is usually your best bet.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobDog888

...A generic non-directed universal statement is usually your best bet.

---

Or none at all if you care for a rep ... ;)

c'mon I enjoy some of the "cant string a sentence together" posts.. its like a puzzle within a puzzle! Not only do you have to figure out what the heck they are saying.. you have to figure out what they are asking help with! (and how to fix it! lol)
its like 20 questions!

I could actually care less about "reps", I do have it in my signature to rate helpfull posts.. if I get one.. great thanks.. if not.. who cares. I would never ask for "reps" for helping someone.. thats just lame ...(Sorry about the email Hack.. I wont do it again) (just Kidding!) :lol: ;)

I had a "If someone has helped you, please rate MY post!" signature and belive it or not I got a rep because of it :D ... (and dglienna was the one that helped :lol: ) ... so I removed it.

maybe there should be a sticky at the top of each forum called "READ TH"IS BEFORE POSTING IN THIS FORUM". it would tell people to search the forums/google before posting a new thread, and even tell them that rude responses will not get replies.

Nah, STICKYs don't realy work.

tr333 - funny you should mention that.... there's one in the Codebank, and we STILL get posts for help in there ... :rolleyes:

Tg

People GOOGLE and find us
Then, they find out they have to register to post a question (totally neglecting the fact that they can search and find answers)
They register, and post their question.
They see their post start moving down the queue, and think they are getting overlooked.
Then, they look for someone that can help them, and PM them, or they bump their threads (if they know how)
Only a few people repeat their actions. Usually, if people get what they want, they either don't come back (if it was for a class), or stick around.

I have had plenty of PM's asking for help. I'd be nice if they'd include a link.
Quite often, I can't even remember their posts.

As it's been said many times before:
"You have to take the good with the bad. If you don't like it, you can always log off." :)

Maybe we could send them something to the effect of searching for their questions before posting a new one? It might give them an idea. :)

(I think we still have to wait for an email before being able to log on...)

Hmm.... Seem to have pressed a few people's buttons here.

This was just a light-hearted post - which was why I put it in Chit Chat (a mod moved it).

Some have replied in the same spirit, some seriously but sensibly and one with a personal attack. Interesting.

I guess the moral is we all need to be socially responsible in both our questions and our replies - and there will always be people around who not. Treat them kindly and direct them to the right path.

And don't take things too seriously. It's only ones and zeros - not real life. :)

well, one copy-cat thread got deleted. you're right about pushing a button.
All things have to be considered.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dglienna

People GOOGLE and find us
Then, they find out they have to register to post a question (totally neglecting the fact that they can search and find answers)
They register, and post their question.

---

I found this place on Google :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dglienna

I have had plenty of PM's asking for help.

---

I haven't had any of those for a while (no that's not a hint people) but I used to get people asking me questions on MSN. I removed my MSN address from my profile because of that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

Hmm.... Seem to have pressed a few people's buttons here.

---

Indeed. Making me think twice about posting a thread of links to stupid (funny) Q&A threads from Classic VB ... :)

Is there a way maybe to get a newly registered member to Search first? like after registering have a popup or a screen saying in LARGE letters... SEARCH before posting?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

And don't take things too seriously. It's only ones and zeros - not real life. :)

---

I'm not exactly sure I can agree on that - if you look at the most active members list if replies you'd realize that we spend lots of times trying to understand what was asked and then try to come up with best answer possible. Answers, however, might be different from what was expected - at least one half of posters expect "complete solution" and when someone say "why can't you try MSDN" or something they get upset ...
And you're saying that this isn't the real life? Common ... ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dglienna

well, one copy-cat thread got deleted. you're right about pushing a button.
All things have to be considered.

---

I'm giving you a rep point for using you're and not your ;)

You're so generous.




:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

I'm giving you a rep point for using you're and not your ;)

---

I wondered where that came from. Luckily I was able to figure it out. :)

You're lucky! :lol:

You're being too obviouse robdog..... :D

Well getting Reps for correct grammer is not for VB Forums, maybe if we were a forum for english teachers or something... :lol:

Also, if that was the case then NoteMe would never get any Reps :lol:

If this were a forum for English teachers, we'd be able to nix someone for a error in grammar or spelling. I've never done that, but I have sent a PM or two in the past to correct them. ;)

Remember this is Forum Feedback, so let's keep "you're" chatter low in this thread ;)

While I agree that most of the complaints are valid, the poorly worded or bad English complaints are ones that need to be looked at closely to determine if it is a translation issue or truly someone that needs to find an "English Forum". Often those "Bad English" posts are from non-English speaking people doing their best to try to post to an English forum. Explaining coding issues in a language you don't fully know is somewhat commendable. When those people get flamed, you have to empathize a little bit with them.

And I can't believe this thread has so many posts without any reference to homework. (At least I didn't see any)!

Brad!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brad jones

. . .And I can't believe this thread has so many posts without any reference to homework. (At least I didn't see any)!

Brad!

---

Thanks for reminding me Brad, now class for tonight's homework I want you to compose a 10,000 word essay on what the meaning of the word "is" is. Since we have a worldwide classroom, you papers are due on my desk at 6:00 GMT.


(Tongue Firmly planted in cheek) :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brad

While I agree that most of the complaints are valid, the poorly worded or bad English complaints are ones that need to be looked at closely to determine if it is a translation issue or truly someone that needs to find an "English Forum".

---

We weren't referring to post being hard to understand because of an english translation issue mostly but rather the Rep for correct usage of a conjunction. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

I'm giving you a rep point for using you're and not your ;)

---

That's an entirely inappropriate use of the reputation system and so I deleted those rep points.

Let me add that we are aware that there have been a few other cases where people have gone out of their way to either give points for inappropriate reasons and/or attempted to get around the reputation system rules. So far we haven't done anything stronger than what I just did but I'm willing to ban someone if that's what it takes to keep the reputation system as honest as possible.

You are kidding right? people are "padding" their rep points!?? omg.

as far as the translation issue.. Whenever I see a post that is hard to understand what they are saying... I always look to see where they are from. If its in the us, THEN i get a good laugh.. otherwise.. I just try to figure it out.

Homework: When people post questions saying they are working on homework and are stuck.. I'd gladly help at least point them in the right direction. But when they want all the code, or attach their projects!?? nope.. no good. I actually used to teach a beginners VB class (Which is how I learned VB :rolleyes: ... long story) I hated when students would not TRY to figure out why a line turned red.. or why they got an error.. the code wouldnt work and they would immediately raise their hand or yell out.. "This Doesnt work!"
uuunng frustrating

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MartinLiss

That's an entirely inappropriate use of the reputation system and so I deleted those rep points.

---

Sorry Marty. I guess my dry sense of humor will get me into serious trouble one day.

I get tired of seeing your for you're, not to mention their, there, they're and it's, its. Fine if English is not your native tongue, although it seems to be mainly native speakers who are guilty. (It beats me how anyone can write logical code if they can't master even the basics of their own language.)

I personally don't give a rat's for the post count as it simply measures how many times you have pressed 'Submit Reply', but there are some who will shout 'look at his low post count' every time they disagree with somebody.

Rep. points are a much better idea, but I guess there will also be some who build their lives around collecting them. It would be quite easy to create a number of identities and give yourself al the rep points you wanted - but I'm sure nobody would do that, would they? Any automatic check on the IP numbers of users giving each other rep. points? Might be interesting!

In conclusion, I don't worry at all about my post count, rep points, or what anyone says about me. I know I always try to be helpful and polite, even when people disagree with me - and I think that's all anyone can ask.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

Rep. points are a much better idea, but I guess there will also be some who build their lives around collecting them. It would be quite easy to create a number of identities and give yourself al the rep points you wanted - but I'm sure nobody would do that, would they? Any automatic check on the IP numbers of users giving each other rep. points? Might be interesting!

---

You would have to make 20 posts for each alias for it to be worth anything, and then have to rep another 10 people or make another alias and 20 more posts, to rep yourself again. Too much effort. I don't think anyone would try it. If they did, and were caught, it would be an automatic ban anyway.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by penagate

You would have to make 20 posts for each alias for it to be worth anything, and then have to rep another 10 people or make another alias and 20 more posts, to rep yourself again. Too much effort. I don't think anyone would try it. If they did, and were caught, it would be an automatic ban anyway.

---

Agreed. But it would all depend on the person's mindset. Look at the Sotob worm, put together in 7 days! A much harder task. Also, it could be automated. There's a frightening thought! Look out for questions on the browser control ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

Look out for questions on the browser control ;)

---

Uh, are you implying anything serious there, or is it just the dry sense of humour coming out again?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brad jones

Remember this is Forum Feedback, so let's keep "you're" chatter low in this thread ;)

Brad!

---

True. But I did originally post this thread in Chit Chat since it was really just a joke. I'm amazed people are taking the whole matter so seriously. Perhaps time to move the thread back again if it is still ongoing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by penagate

Uh, are you implying anything serious there, or is it just the dry sense of humour coming out again?

---

Good heavens NO! I have nothing but contempt for writers of destructive software. They are the scum of the earth and little better than terrorists.

If you have ever seen anyone crying because her thesis (and backup ) had been wiped-out by a virus, you would feel the same I'm sure. It may seem cool and clever, but the cost in human misery is I think more than people realize - and the technically vulnerable are the ones who suffer.

But it is said that in software security, anything that can be done will be done. It's best to be wise before the event and have precautions in place. Not that people giving themselves huge numbers of undeserved rep points is all that important in the scheme of things.

Sorry, it seems I misunderstood you and you subsequently misunderstood me... I thought you might be talking about another member.

I completely agree with you about viruses. My mate lost all his files recently due to a virus, or hacker or something. It is stupid and pointless and the worst thing is that it was probably the fault of some 12-year old kid with a script off the net.

Anyway, we're still in the Feedback forum and we've gone way off topic so I'm quitting the discussion here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by penagate

Sorry, it seems I misunderstood you and you subsequently misunderstood me... I thought you might be talking about another member.

I completely agree with you about viruses. My mate lost all his files recently due to a virus, or hacker or something. It is stupid and pointless and the worst thing is that it was probably the fault of some 12-year old kid with a script off the net.

Anyway, we're still in the Feedback forum and we've gone way off topic so I'm quitting the discussion here.

---

:thumb:

[deleted by moderator} at best

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dglienna

[deleted by moderator} at best

---

Curly bracket on the end I see! Looks like our mods are getting into C# :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BrianHawley

...It would be quite easy to create a number of identities and give yourself al the rep points you wanted - but I'm sure nobody would do that, would they? Any automatic check on the IP numbers of users giving each other rep. points? ....

---

There are no automatic checks but I do occasionally take a random look at the reputation comments to see who is giving and getting them. The "spread" makes it hard (at least time consuming) to give yourself points but I do know of one case where a person did that for a total of 2 or 3 points. I deleted the rep points and warned the user. At this point if I were to find anyone else doing that I would take stronger action.