Curious

[Guy_Roan]

Have you ever asked a question on this forum or any forum that requires a specific answer, then get responses like: " Why do you want to do that", or some other reply that does not answer the question that you asked ?

Guy

[wildtoad]

Or you let people know that after much research, you are going to buy X, and just want to know what accessories you should look at buying also. The first few responses are similar to “You don’t want to do that” or “Can’t help but somebody will be along soon to answer you question”

Then there is the long running threads where someone asks a question, it’s answered satisfactorily in the very first response But the are 20 pages of “Me too”,” X2,” “what he said” Perhaps so many of us are lonely and just need to say something to somebody.

[TomG2]

Some of our "experts" will go to any length to complicate the Q & A. I like concise questions and answers. One does not need to know whether a coffee cup will be used in a travel trailer or fifth wheel to give a response.

[dedmiston]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
What the HE!! Is FaceBook???

It's a wannabe spinoff. It's mostly pictures of cats.

[Cummins12V98]

dedmiston wrote:
It bugs me when I see a thread on Facebook where the OP turns off commenting after they got their answer. The rest of the commenters invested enough time to provide some helpful info... why not let them carry on with the conversation and elaborate on different nuances. Lots of helpful info comes out that way.

What the HE!! Is FaceBook???

[dedmiston]

DrewE wrote:
Often the "Why would you want to do that?" responses are because the responder believes, rightly or wrongly, that the questioner is considering something that is in some way stupid or even dangerous.

Or even just non-standard.

Lots of times the question itself tells the reader that there's something in the OP's mindset that needs some clarification.

[DrewE]

Often the "Why would you want to do that?" responses are because the responder believes, rightly or wrongly, that the questioner is considering something that is in some way stupid or even dangerous.

Other replies not directly answering the question are often because the asker seems to be looking at things a bit myoptically and missing a possibly better, more general solution to their dillema.

Sometimes it's just the nature of this being a discussion forum, and people discussing stuff. In that regard it's not much different than the water cooler or breakroom table at the office, where if you ask about the best hammer for framing a shed you may end up learning more than you wanted to about pneumatic nailers but have no better idea of what style of hammer to try.

[fj12ryder]

Many times I ask a question because I'm curious why a person is doing something. Sometimes I can't figure out why a person would do that, and how. So I ask.

People that don't like a little Q&A, and only what the A should buy lots of service manuals so they don't have to interact with curious people. But unless the questioning has become invasive and impertinent, it rarely deserves out-and-out rudeness.

[TomG2]

Occasionally, I even stick my nose in with something like, "The OP asked about tires, not ice cream".

[dedmiston]

aftermath wrote:
Guy, I suppose this post might be in response to your question about going with an electric only water heater. I was one of the guilty guys who asked why you wanted to do this. You obviously were insulted and left the thread until someone poked at you and you posted an edgy response as if we were all out to get you.

Simply put, I have found that some posts are from people who hadn't really thought through things completely. When I asked, why would you want to do this, I was expecting and answer from you that let me know you had really thought this through and then explained it to us. On the other hand, I was hoping to let you know that there were downsides to taking away your propane option.

Sorry if I ruffled your feathers. In the future, it you don't want us to ask questions, make sure you either say this up front or do a better job with your introduction. There have been many times when I have read through a thread to find out that, hey, I didn't think of that! This is how I learn things. You obviously are not interested in seeing alternate sides of an issue.

Ah. That thread. Yeah, that one got weird.

Guy - I'm sorry it became a misunderstanding, but I think a little more patience would have helped.

Guy Roan wrote:
If I wanted advice, I would have asked for it.

Posting a question in a forum is literally asking for advice.

I saw that you rephrased your question and asked it a few more times. I hope you found the info you needed.

[dedmiston]

It bugs me when I see a thread on Facebook where the OP turns off commenting after they got their answer. The rest of the commenters invested enough time to provide some helpful info... why not let them carry on with the conversation and elaborate on different nuances. Lots of helpful info comes out that way.

[Cloud_Dancer]

rk911 wrote:

Cloud Dancer wrote:
It makes me wonder if perhaps you should be more specific? However, a person shouldn't answer a question with a question.

why not?

*
Practice courtesy and etiquette,....unless the question calls for a complex analytical explanation.

[way2roll]

Sure threads go off the rails, that's people being people. It is a forum after all, not a help desk. But often there is good reason to ask clarifying questions. Asking why you want to do something could open alternatives to your issue/question. Explaining why you want to do something in your question also helps to avoid derailment.

And then there are a few trolls on here who live just to respond with some callous or condescending response. Ignore those or block the repeat offenders.

[aftermath]

Whoops.

[aftermath]

Guy, I suppose this post might be in response to your question about going with an electric only water heater. I was one of the guilty guys who asked why you wanted to do this. You obviously were insulted and left the thread until someone poked at you and you posted an edgy response as if we were all out to get you.

Simply put, I have found that some posts are from people who hadn't really thought through things completely. When I asked, why would you want to do this, I was expecting and answer from you that let me know you had really thought this through and then explained it to us. On the other hand, I was hoping to let you know that there were downsides to taking away your propane option.

Sorry if I ruffled your feathers. In the future, it you don't want us to ask questions, make sure you either say this up front or do a better job with your introduction. There have been many times when I have read through a thread to find out that, hey, I didn't think of that! This is how I learn things. You obviously are not interested in seeing alternate sides of an issue.

[Mmaxed]

jdc1 wrote:
One time, in band camp.......

I met a girl......