Autor: Peter Bowyer Data: A: exim users Assumpte: Re: [exim] Why is this list so abusive?
On 24/04/06, Jason Meers <Jason.Meers@???> wrote: >
> > There's a huge difference. I answer a great many questions with
> > something like 'you need a redirect router' and a link to the
> > appropriate page in the manual.
> >
> > I'm of the opinion that this is helpful. Perhaps not quite as helpful
> > as crafting a detailed solution (although that's arguable along the
> > 'teach a man to fish' line), but I really do think that pointing
> > someone to the bit of documentation where their question is answered,
> > along with the next few questions they're bound to have when they've
> > learnt some more, has to be valuable.
>
> Question?
>
> Are we saying that providing a reference (with or without the F word) is
> preferred over providing a more detailed answer because it's
> counter-productive and doesn't "teach a man to fish"?
No, I said it was arguable about the 'fish' thing. I wasn't doing that
particular piece of arguing.
My point is that I answer questions the way I do because I think it's
being helpful. Other people might be able to be differently helpful by
composing more detailed answers - but that doesn't invalidate my
response. I sometimes do that too, if I have time and/or an example to
hand - but I don't think that invalidates my usual approach, either.
> I think I'm helping someone when I solve their problem, and wonder why
> other people who no the answer don't provide it.
I don't disagree - your approach is certainly helpful. So is mine. A
lucky questioner might get one of yours and one of mine - a bit like a
fishing lesson and a trip to the takeaway all at once....
