Don't. Just... Don't. (Page 1/4)
Cliff Pennock NOV 05, 04:47 AM
I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: one of the main reasons I started PFF back in 1999 was to create a more welcoming space for people to ask questions without feeling intimidated or judged. At that time, the few online sources available were highly over-moderated, and the atmosphere often felt stifling. People were forced to tiptoe around the “almighty” moderators, often scared to ask questions for fear of getting shut down by the regulars. Responses like “Did you use the search?”, “Have you done any research?”, or even “If you have to ask that, you shouldn’t be working on a car” were common, and it frustrated me immensely.

Unfortunately, this kind of treatment still exists on many forums and Q&A sites today. In fact, it’s a big reason I’ve always felt uneasy with platforms like Stack Exchange. Here's a site supposedly designed for IT professionals—yet if you dare to ask a question that’s been touched on before, you’re practically roasted. IT evolves rapidly, and solutions that were effective six months ago might be outdated today. But if you bring up a topic that’s been previously discussed, no one cares about those nuances; they just hit you with “Google it” or “Do some research!” Yesterday, I made the mistake of asking a question on Server Fault (one of the Stack Exchange sites) after spending two days researching and finding nothing helpful. The only responses I received were snarky comments like “Have you ever heard of Google?”—but none offered an actual answer to my problem.

Another thing that drives me up the wall on these forums is the tendency to close questions if a similar topic has been discussed before, even if it’s buried in a thread that started a decade ago with hundreds of pages and thousands of posts. Expecting someone to wade through that, hoping for something relevant to their specific issue, is simply unreasonable.

So, once again, I want to emphasize my philosophy here at PFF: if a member—new or experienced—asks a question that’s been asked before, do not respond with “use the search.” Just don’t. Remember, we were all beginners once, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information on the internet or even here on PFF. Why expect someone to waste hours (or even days) sifting through search results when a quick, friendly answer here could help someone move forward? Plus, the best solutions evolve over time, as technology changes or parts become obsolete, which makes it perfectly reasonable to start a new thread on an old topic.

If you do know of an existing thread that might help, try a friendly response like: “Hey! The info in [this thread] is still pretty relevant. You might find it helpful, but feel free to ask more questions here if you need to—happy to help!” See? That’s far more welcoming than “Did you even search? I found [this thread] in 20 seconds.”

To sum up: This is PFF. Here, dumb questions don't exist—only unhelpful answers. If you feel the urge to respond with “use the search” or anything that might belittle the original poster, don't. Just… Don’t. Let’s keep this a place where people feel safe to learn and share, no matter where they are on their journey.
88Fingers NOV 05, 07:18 AM
Hear, hear fellow Fiero brother! I really appreciate the Forum. I am an original owner of an '88 GT and as well, another one I restored myself. I know quite a bit about the '88s but still make dumb mistakes. Many thanks to Olejoedad, Patrick and Vintage Nut that have straightened me out on some simple issues like the fuel pump relay and such. They showed me diagrams and photos of what I needed without any "use the search" vitriol. Really appreciate the kind help and hope it continues until these cars no longer exist! Thank you all
cliffw NOV 05, 08:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:
... "they just hit you with “Google it” or “Do some research!”





Not everybody is computer smart. Many times the perfect "search phrase" may be hard to find.
Raydar NOV 05, 11:24 AM
One of my pet peeves. Thank you!

Vintage-Nut NOV 05, 12:31 PM
I too had been 'guilty' sometimes by add the "use the search" comment ....

However, I point-out as a learning tool and not to belittle; but I get it - "Don't. Just... Don't."

Thank-you the reminder Cliff

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

NewDustin NOV 05, 12:52 PM
I've run into exactly those same issues on those same sites. Reddit's /r/SysAdmin does days where they specifically welcome "stupid" questions, and I got a lot of good input from them. Admittedly, it's been 5-6 years since I posted anything there, but you might give them a shot

I very much appreciate how welcoming this site is. What brought me here isn't just my first Fiero, it's my first project car. Learning something new that's this involved in my 40s isn't easy, and being able to be here and contribute without judgment has been fantastic. Guru giving me positive feedback on my suspension plans still sits with me and gives me confidence, as does the welcome that everyone here has given me-all of whom it seems are CONSIDERABLY better at this than me. Hell, I don't know if I could come up with a better way to make working on a Fiero approachable than Todd's videos with his daughter.

You all win in my book, and only partially because of your impeccable taste in automobiles.

hyperv6 NOV 05, 05:49 PM
Many forums could learn a good lesson here.

Too many have moderators that need moderating. They can be the worse narcissist on the site and they drag it all down.

We are lucky to have this site.
Cliff Pennock NOV 06, 05:30 AM
"Hon? Do you know where the can opener is?"
"Have you looked?"
"It's not in the drawer..."
"Yes but have you searched the house?"
"Well, no..."
"I'm not going to tell you where the can opener is before you have showed some effort to look for it first!"
"Just tell me where it is!"
"No! Besides, a few months back our daughter asked the exact same question."
"So?"
"So I'm not going to repeat myself."
"I asked her and she said it was in the drawer, but it no longer is!"
"Then go look for it elsewhere!"
"Why? Just tell me where it is!"
"No! And I don't like your attitude. I have filed for a divorce and you are out of here!"
"Wait... What?"
Dukesterpro NOV 06, 02:10 PM
Atta boy Cliff!

+1
Mike in Sydney NOV 06, 04:50 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:


"No! And I don't like your attitude. I have filed for a divorce and you are out of here!"




Cliff, you say that like it's a bad thing...