Subj : Re: Is (Redhat) Linux just a cheap version of Windows?
To   : comp.os.linux
From : Patrick  McDonnell
Date : Sun Sep 05 2004 09:07 pm

RoyalHeart wrote:

> Patrick McDonnell wrote:
>> Hey genius,
>> 
>> Did you try searching google?  Or do you feels its below you because it
>> wasn't around during Version 7?
>> 
> 
> 

<snip>

> 
> Then I read Patrick McDonnell's post above, for a second, I thought,
> "with an attitude like that, why in heck do I want to try Linux again?
> Just because he knows a lot about Linux doesn't mean others do."
> 

My attitude was reflective of the attitude of the parent poster.  He did not
ask any real questions, nor did he add any thoughtful contributions to the
"great body of Linux knowledge."  Seeing as he only took the time to rant
about how one OS is better than Linux, I thought it only fair that I take
no more time than to tell him where to find help.

Actually, I generally hate it when I, or anyone else, gets a STFW or RTFM
reply from a Linux guru.  You're right, these answers tend to be unhelpful,
rude and arrogant.  However, if the original poster did not take the time
to at least attempt to fix it on his own, no one should feel obliged to
take their time to help him for free.

You have to realize that the people who do have a wide range of Linux
knowledge (and I am not one of them) tend to give short, terse replies to
queries because they receive so many - you'll see this on USENET, IRC,
mailing list, etc.  Its not a sign of arrogance, but simply some guy trying
to help as many people as possible during his free time.  He is not
obliged, under any circumstances, to be polite, walk you through a
solution, hold your hand, etc.  In short, when you think people are doing
the rude-arrogant-jackass thing, remember this:

1) They're probably not doing it on purpose (you can't tell someone's
emotions on an email)

2) Just roll with it.  Take their suggestions.  If you still have issues,
reply with a thought-out message, explaining what you tried, and what's
still causing trouble.  Yes, its a lot of work, but I can guarantee that
you will get more quality help faster.

.