Why is it that Citizens requesting help get ignored?
Saturday, May 3, 2003 by Aneaka Frature | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
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I'm relatively new (Feb 2003) but I've noticed that legitimate new user questions from Citizens get ignored with regularity. 
I'm looking at the board right now and it appears all of the legitimate Citizen questions are waiting, and waiting, and waiting. 
Not sure why. Knowledge hoarded is wasted!! All Citizens are potential contributors/cheerleaders/sales people. I LOVE what this community has done! 
It allows so much creativity and freedom with what is traditionally so cookie cutter.
Help us!!
I'm relatively new (Feb 2003) but I've noticed that legitimate new user questions from Citizens get ignored with regularity. 
I'm looking at the board right now and it appears all of the legitimate Citizen questions are waiting, and waiting, and waiting. 
Not sure why. Knowledge hoarded is wasted!! All Citizens are potential contributors/cheerleaders/sales people. I LOVE what this community has done! 
It allows so much creativity and freedom with what is traditionally so cookie cutter. Help us!!
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goodmorphing
Reply #22 Saturday, May 3, 2003 8:40 PM
Reply #22 Saturday, May 3, 2003 8:40 PM
I was curious to find the post you might have made that went unanswered. Earlier today, I used that function to find Jafo's old post about the fires in Australia (I wondered how things went, I would have bounced it up... but I thought better of it) and I know it works. I couldn't find anything under your name. So, I don't know how to answer or even figure out what went wrong. If you had another name, it would be most helpful to always use the same one.
Aneaka Frature
Reply #23 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:05 AM
Reply #23 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:05 AM
It wouldn't be fair to call my question rhetorical as it's obviously not. I never did say that one of my questions was not answered. I was curious as to what the reponses would be to a topic with a title like mine. In the "Real World" (this is real - I know 
..) I create training documents on a variety of technical topics. My intent was to determine if there is an unfilled niche and I think that there is.
I am appreciative of the stress that those "who know" must be under, as evidenced by the tone of some posts above, by the repeated questions from those "who don't know".
I hope that you will re-read the last 5 sentences of #1. Then read the first sentence of #4. Then first two sentences of #8.Then please read #17.
My belief and support of this community is evident. My observation of your frustration is also evident.
It was stated that:
I shouldn't expect help if I don't contribute.
I should have researched before I bought.
I'm blaming the product.
I'm taking my frustration out here.
I think that a "better mousetrap" can be built and it will benefit the frustrated people who answer the questions AND the frustrated people who ask.
..) I create training documents on a variety of technical topics. My intent was to determine if there is an unfilled niche and I think that there is. I am appreciative of the stress that those "who know" must be under, as evidenced by the tone of some posts above, by the repeated questions from those "who don't know".
I hope that you will re-read the last 5 sentences of #1. Then read the first sentence of #4. Then first two sentences of #8.Then please read #17.
My belief and support of this community is evident. My observation of your frustration is also evident.
It was stated that:
I shouldn't expect help if I don't contribute.
I should have researched before I bought.
I'm blaming the product.
I'm taking my frustration out here.
I think that a "better mousetrap" can be built and it will benefit the frustrated people who answer the questions AND the frustrated people who ask.
goodmorphing
Reply #24 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:30 AM So when people who really do care a lot, and really do try a lot to help come and read a question like that, and then spend some time soul searching and maybe even getting a little defensive.. then they find the question was really only a 'what if' our of curiosity... They are not supposed to feel even a little more frustrated than they already were? How about the ones who went looking to see what happened. What about their time and concern? And how do you balance your interpretations of conjecture against their interpretations of actually living out the situations and yes getting blamed and raked over the coals many times for only trying to help?
Maybe better mousetraps would be more transparent... maybe they would be more real.
Sheesh....
Reply #24 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:30 AM
So when people who really do care a lot, and really do try a lot to help come and read a question like that, and then spend some time soul searching and maybe even getting a little defensive.. then they find the question was really only a 'what if' our of curiosity... They are not supposed to feel even a little more frustrated than they already were? How about the ones who went looking to see what happened. What about their time and concern? And how do you balance your interpretations of conjecture against their interpretations of actually living out the situations and yes getting blamed and raked over the coals many times for only trying to help?Maybe better mousetraps would be more transparent... maybe they would be more real.
Sheesh....
sig101
Reply #26 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:50 AM
Reply #26 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:50 AM
No, that's not what was stated. That's your inference with a agenda driven spin.
So when are you going to start building that better mousetrap? Feel free to roll up your sleeves and get started. The FAQ that is here now is the result of a volunteer effort. If you don't feel there is enough product support available, why not contact stardock and discuss it with them? (Of course your concern is out of your genuine interest in contributing to the community. Consequently I won't suggest that as a professional training doc writer you might just be looking for a potential job. Looking for niches to fill and all that. )
And how is your support to the community evident besides your stating it is? I see you criticizing what you see or think you see here but I still don't see you actually assisting anyone.
So when are you going to start building that better mousetrap? Feel free to roll up your sleeves and get started. The FAQ that is here now is the result of a volunteer effort. If you don't feel there is enough product support available, why not contact stardock and discuss it with them? (Of course your concern is out of your genuine interest in contributing to the community. Consequently I won't suggest that as a professional training doc writer you might just be looking for a potential job. Looking for niches to fill and all that.
) And how is your support to the community evident besides your stating it is? I see you criticizing what you see or think you see here but I still don't see you actually assisting anyone.
jebland
Reply #27 Sunday, May 4, 2003 7:04 AM
Reply #27 Sunday, May 4, 2003 7:04 AM
Another issue with trying to answer questions on this board, is lack of feedback from citizens. A number of times I have gone to considerable lengths to research for answers to problems with Objectbar or SkinStudio. After I post a response with whatever suggestions I can come up with, quite frequently the thread just slides away. That leaves me wondering. Did it work? Did they ever read the answer? >
Keila
Reply #28 Sunday, May 4, 2003 8:21 AM
Reply #28 Sunday, May 4, 2003 8:21 AM
If you are going to use this site as some sort of case study I wish for you to conduct the study properly.
How much time are you saying you spent watching the board and finding so many questions unanswered?
Did you take in to consideration the time of day or the day of the week. I can tell you right now that will make a big difference and most people would realize that.
I quote you here..
My belief and support of this community is evident. My observation of your frustration is also evident.
It was stated that:
I shouldn't expect help if I don't contribute.
I should have researched before I bought.
I'm blaming the product.
I'm taking my frustration out here.
You have missed things that were in this thread alone. For instance, here are some quoted sentences from this thread.
1:I find people here to be very helpful. Ive even noticed sort of a "competition" if you will to see who can answer the question first.
2:if the question is about one of the topics i consider myself knowledgeable about then i will do my best to help.
3:Again, it's no one's job or obligation here to help out or provide product support. That's not really the purpose of this board. It's the user's obligation to do some of their own homework since it's their PC.
4:Also, if you've ever tried to help someone who doesn't want to listen and turns nasty, that also discourages people from spending their own time and energy to provide assistance to those who come here frustrated and want to take it out on others.
It was also stated that the board is in a slight turmoil right now which has some knowledgeable members
not even participating on the board at this time.
Another thing that is often done on this board is bumping. I myself am not very knowledgeable about many of the programs at this site so I try to watch for questions that have not been answered yet and I will bump them back to the top so that they have a better chance of being noticed when someone who would know the answer comes on. This is my way of helping out when I can. I have seen people go out of their way to help. For instance, we also have a chat we use and I have seen many times that people with watch the board and literally track down the best person to answer the question. Most of the time it will be a new member asking the question.
I am relatively new to this site myself and have received nothing but kindness, help and support. I believe the reason for that is because what I have given this site is kindness, help and support.
I feel that you have moved too quickly to present your findings on this message board and I hope you will take more time to research and have a more accurate study.
How much time are you saying you spent watching the board and finding so many questions unanswered?
Did you take in to consideration the time of day or the day of the week. I can tell you right now that will make a big difference and most people would realize that.
I quote you here..
My belief and support of this community is evident. My observation of your frustration is also evident.
It was stated that:
I shouldn't expect help if I don't contribute.
I should have researched before I bought.
I'm blaming the product.
I'm taking my frustration out here.
You have missed things that were in this thread alone. For instance, here are some quoted sentences from this thread.
1:I find people here to be very helpful. Ive even noticed sort of a "competition" if you will to see who can answer the question first.
2:if the question is about one of the topics i consider myself knowledgeable about then i will do my best to help.
3:Again, it's no one's job or obligation here to help out or provide product support. That's not really the purpose of this board. It's the user's obligation to do some of their own homework since it's their PC.
4:Also, if you've ever tried to help someone who doesn't want to listen and turns nasty, that also discourages people from spending their own time and energy to provide assistance to those who come here frustrated and want to take it out on others.
It was also stated that the board is in a slight turmoil right now which has some knowledgeable members
not even participating on the board at this time.
Another thing that is often done on this board is bumping. I myself am not very knowledgeable about many of the programs at this site so I try to watch for questions that have not been answered yet and I will bump them back to the top so that they have a better chance of being noticed when someone who would know the answer comes on. This is my way of helping out when I can. I have seen people go out of their way to help. For instance, we also have a chat we use and I have seen many times that people with watch the board and literally track down the best person to answer the question. Most of the time it will be a new member asking the question.
I am relatively new to this site myself and have received nothing but kindness, help and support. I believe the reason for that is because what I have given this site is kindness, help and support.
I feel that you have moved too quickly to present your findings on this message board and I hope you will take more time to research and have a more accurate study.
Chef Garry
Reply #29 Sunday, May 4, 2003 9:33 AM
Reply #29 Sunday, May 4, 2003 9:33 AM
Further, this board isn't really the place to go for support anyway. Official support at Stardock has been posted above. Unofficial user support is found in the newsgroups as sig101 stated.
I think many users find the stardock newsgroups to be the first and most useful place to go. I know I read the ones pertenent to me daily. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people there that can anwser most of the questions that come up. Official Stardock people check these out pretty regularly as well.
Bottom line, help is available but a certain amount of effort may be required on the part of the user.
I think many users find the stardock newsgroups to be the first and most useful place to go. I know I read the ones pertenent to me daily. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people there that can anwser most of the questions that come up. Official Stardock people check these out pretty regularly as well.
Bottom line, help is available but a certain amount of effort may be required on the part of the user.
WOM
Reply #30 Sunday, May 4, 2003 10:42 AM
Reply #30 Sunday, May 4, 2003 10:42 AM
Aneaka, as an example, read the 1st timer thread.Did that question need to be asked?
da_zman20
Reply #31 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:41 AM
Reply #31 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:41 AM
when I need help i just send an Email to stardock, get a response within 24 hours... they are very good 
sig101
Reply #32 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:47 AM
Reply #32 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:47 AM
WOM, that Frequently Asked Question link must not have been eye catching enough. Perhaps in a neon color, blinking? Still, the person got an answer.
This thread evidently was started thread as an experiment. "I was curious as to what the reponses would be to a topic with a title like mine...My intent was to determine if there is an unfilled niche..." Reminiscent of surveys that don't come up front and tell you what they're about and don't pose the real questions in a straightforward manner(or rather, pose questions/issues in a manner intended to solicit the kinds of answers they're looking for).
So what's the real deal, AF? Are you going to offer your services gratis out of concern for the community or was this just a marketing survey?
Still, the person got an answer. This thread evidently was started thread as an experiment. "I was curious as to what the reponses would be to a topic with a title like mine...My intent was to determine if there is an unfilled niche..." Reminiscent of surveys that don't come up front and tell you what they're about and don't pose the real questions in a straightforward manner(or rather, pose questions/issues in a manner intended to solicit the kinds of answers they're looking for).
So what's the real deal, AF? Are you going to offer your services gratis out of concern for the community or was this just a marketing survey?
DavidK
Reply #33 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:58 AM
Reply #33 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:58 AM
This was just a waste of a lot of people's time is what it was.
nuthin but spam....
nuthin but spam....
WOM
Reply #34 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:59 AM
Reply #34 Sunday, May 4, 2003 11:59 AM
sig101, I would have answered that thread, but was trying to point out that it is asked 2 or 3 times every day and it doesn't need to be. All one has to do is read the FAQ or the top of the column that he is downloadind from. Just a little amount of reading and there wouldn't be so many of these types of questions being asked.
sig101
Reply #35 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:14 PM
Reply #35 Sunday, May 4, 2003 12:14 PM
WOM, oh I know you do help out a lot here, even with the same old questions, although the FAQ is there and often people don''t think to use it. I just meant that, contrary to AF''s contention, most often questions do get responded to by someone, even if it''s by just posting a link to the FAQ. I meant no reflection on you. MadIce was quick on the draw.
And it does underscore that informational resources can be available right in front of one''s nose and still some people won''t use them.
[Message Edited]
And it does underscore that informational resources can be available right in front of one''s nose and still some people won''t use them.
[Message Edited]
Aneaka Frature
Reply #36 Monday, May 5, 2003 2:49 PM
Reply #36 Monday, May 5, 2003 2:49 PM
if my efforts or thoughts are deemed worthy then of course I'll offer them gratis as I currently don't have other artistic abilities to offer. As all of you do woth your time, efforts, energy and opinions. I still think the frustration you all feel and convey still justifies my belief that what exists is not what it can be.
When you are having a problem with your Sony TV, or your Whirlpool Washer do you immediately call the manufacturer or do you try and utilize knowledgable contacts that can hopefully answer the question based on personal hands on experience??
When you are having a problem with your Sony TV, or your Whirlpool Washer do you immediately call the manufacturer or do you try and utilize knowledgable contacts that can hopefully answer the question based on personal hands on experience??
WOM
Reply #37 Monday, May 5, 2003 3:11 PM
Reply #37 Monday, May 5, 2003 3:11 PM
Actually I RTFM and then if I'am stuck I ask some of my friends. >
sig101
Reply #38 Monday, May 5, 2003 3:31 PM
Reply #38 Monday, May 5, 2003 3:31 PM
For appliance repair I call people who are paid to deal with it. For questions like, what does this knob or button do? I read the manual. If I can't figure out that to wash clothes I actually need to put the clothes in the washer or to watch TV I need to plug the power cord into a working electrical outlet, I suspect any "knowledgeable contacts" I might have had would have long ago either washed their hands of me or contacted the local jurisdiction for conservatorship proceedings to commence.
Stardock support is but an email away if FAQ's, Help Files and the Stardock newsgroups (which is the appropriate venue for peer to peer assistance for Stardock products) prove insufficient.
Stardock support is but an email away if FAQ's, Help Files and the Stardock newsgroups (which is the appropriate venue for peer to peer assistance for Stardock products) prove insufficient.
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Reply #21 Saturday, May 3, 2003 7:17 PM