When posting requests for help on a community board because you can't or won't get help from official channels, there are certain things that responders do that piss you off. Things that they know they shouldn't say, but can't help it because it's a chance they can't pass up to release all that pent up newb rage at another newb. Things like "What are you, an idiot? Everyone knows you don't do THAT! (Even though I just found out about it two minutes ago, but you don't know that, do you?)" and stuff like that there.

And then there's the sort of things that people don't realize is just plain annoying, but they honestly think is helpful. Like "Well, I don't know why you're having that problem. Everything works just grand for me." Well bully for you, sailor, but that really doesn't help me, does it? And neither does suggesting that I switch to a brand of component that you slaver and spooge over every time you see the Chinese imitation logo of it.

So lets all list our pet peeves on this subject in an attempt to put a damper on the rate at which these things occur.
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On the other hand, this could totally backfire. If Crassmaster and Michaelleung knew what pissed everyone off, there would be no end to their reign of terror.

Not going to get into the can of worms in this thread, but will list one thing on both sides:

If you find a solution, post it to the thread. Even if you were the asker. NOTHING is more annoying than researching a problem and finding a thread which ends with "I figured it out. Thanks anyway"

For asking questions, it bugs me when people don't describe the problem, they just say they have one "Help, jagged alliance 2 is broken. How do I fix it?"

For answering them, follow the old addage: If you've got nothing helpful to say, shut the fuck up and piss off you twat (I'm paraphrasing but thats the gist of it)

Seriously though, the worst offense is "I'm not having the same problem as you, in fact everything works fine for me."
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Stop it.

Like this? ;-)

SEARCH FIRST! After searching once, modify your search terms and SEARCH AGAIN!

If you don't find anything:

Describe the issues your facing in as much detail possible AND provide background information (your system configuration, running AV software, driver versions).

Post in the appropriate game forum; if you have a problem with a game and you post it here in the general discussion I might ignore it or I might call you a dumb-ass and direct you to where you need to go.

1. Remember kids, forums are not IRC! Take a look at the first page of the forums, and get an idea for how much activity there is. The fact that you haven't received a reply in three minutes does not mean everyone is ignoring you.

2. Of course, not everyone searches the forums for existing topics on their problem.. but for crying out aloud, at least take a few seconds to look down the first page!

3. Type legibly! Allowances can be made if the relevant forum language is a second (or third, fourth, etc.) language for you, but for native speakers/typers there's no excuse! Take a good look at what you've written. If the average person's reaction is going to be "This poster is a fucking retard", then either fix it, or don't bother posting. Bonus points:
People not using descriptive thread titles.
Good - "Quake crashes with opengl32.dll error", "Freespace installer corrupted", etc.
Bad - "HALP CANT", "Can you...", "Is there...", etc.

EXACTLY.

Agreed. I've found the solution myself before, but always been conscientious enough to post it.

Pictures, youtube tutorials, and other things are awesome for helping people who may not have the exsperiance of a 10 year vet.

vTute Recorder is a tutorial making program that saves all screen activity in a *.FLV file

Wink makes tutorials in flash and standalone exe format, this ones a touch more configurable with words, pictures, custom buttons and example boxes.

oh and both are free

Negative reinforcement (a.k.a. telling people how stupid they are for the littlest mistakes) is not the best way to teach. Best example is the Let's Play tutorial forums.

@Navagon
Just noticed the red Santa hat. Very festive.

I second this, it's a pet peeve of mine. If you figured it out, allay the angst of the next soul to have your same issue by explaining exactly what you figured out!

Honestly, most of what is being suggested here is just going to make people less likely to help.

In a perfect world: Yeah, you make a step-by-step video guide for every major OS. But who the hell has time to do that on a regular basis? If someone just needs help like "I saw that Die by the Sword is listed twice in the Games Explorer. Which one do I click?", it only takes a six word answer, like "The one with all the GoG stuff"

No, it's going to make people less likely to offer what they THINK is help, but isn't.


Posting "First" posts on support boards earns you a second eternity in Hell. Or your netherworld of choice. You could even split your two eternities between two hells, but it's still two.