Unhelpful Help (rant)

[Clair Dickson]

I am so tired of the unhelpful responses people feel the need to post in response to legit requests for technical help. If you prefer Macs or OpenOffice or Linux, great. I don't care if you write your manuscript in blood-- so long as it's not mine.

But when someone posts a question asking for help with a feature of Word, an error in Windows, or some thing else, just telling them to change their operating system, wordprocessor or even buy a new computer is NOT helpful. I would like to think that everyone who makes these posts knows they are not being helpful, but apparently that doesn't stop people.

If you want to offer some HELP (as in, change this setting, or do this to get the error to stop) and THEN make your argument for your preferred computer/software, fine. At least you're helping.

If my car has a flat tire, I would hope you wouldn't pull off the road behind me, walk up and say, "You know, I've never had a flat tire on my brand of car. You should get one of those." Then get back in your car. Well, watch for the tire iron I'll be throwing at you as you drive past. This is the same sort of thing people keep doing in Tech Help and it's making my porcupine quills all stand up.

PLEASE-- stop using tech help requests for a damned soapbox to bash someone else's choice in software/ computers. It's not nice. Either help, or go the hell away.

:rant:

[Nakhlasmoke]

I am so very tempted now to write a response that says

If you changed to Linux you wouldn't have to make ranty posts like this.

*waits to be crucified*

[dpaterso]

If anyone has any complaints about unhelpful, contrary or bogus advice they've received, they should complain to forum moderators or super moderators. Quoting examples/pointing to threads or posts would be extra helpful.

-Derek

[veinglory]

While I understand your point, not everyone in a help thread is there to help. Many are the equivalent of the men who hold beer and look at the smoking engine making innane remarks. You just hope to get at least one who actually knows what the problem is and ignore the rest.

[Clair Dickson]

VG-- I know. I still hate it. =p

We all have our irritations, and this is one of mine. I do have redeeming qualities-- Hubby says so. Even when he's not looking for something. =)

[Carmy]

Hubby is right -- you've helped me several times, Clair, so you have every right to rant.

What bugs me is the people who don't bother to say thank you. Here and on SYW.