Suggestions on how to answer questions, helping you to help them!

[twoton]

With the constant stream of questions being posted to OCC, I know it can get very confusing. So,..when in doubt, follow these simple rules.

1) Look for key words like “OPINION”. If you don’t see it, don’t give it. For example, if someone comes on here and says, “ Has anyone figured out how to use front and rear implements independently?” That is not a request for anyones opinion about what the OP plans to do. Simply a request for information.

2) If someone comes to OCC and says, “I am doing such and such to my tractor, and was thinking about doing it like this or like that. Any thoughts?” So now we have a situation in which opinions may be helpful, not regarding the OP’s plan to do such and such but, opinions on whether he/she should do it like this or like that. Get it?

3) Now if someone comes along and says, “hey, I was thinking about doing such and such. Any thoughts?” Now this is a situation where the OP has asked for opinions and everyone should feel free to chime in! But, that should not be taken as an opportunity to bash other people’s thoughts. It’s simple really. I think they call it common courtesy.

Lets see, what’s next?

Oh yeah,

4) Often new members call things by the wrong names. The key here is to look at the context in which the miss named item is used. With a little thought it is usually quite easy to figure out. Statements like” I think you mean the metal inserts” easily teaches a new member the correct name for the part and encourages them to become a knowledgeable contributing member.

And another one,

5) If someone is addressing a specific member, unless you know them well enough to know that butting in will not be a problem, don’t do it.

And probably not last, but defiantly worth mentioning;

6) References to peoples genitals should be avoided. Statements like “Grow a pair” or “ Reach down a grab the pair that you have” do not generally encourage members to become a part of our community.

Feel free to refer back to this list any time you are uncertain about how to respond to a post.