A suggestion...

[nigel_smith]

I suggest posters come back to the forum and update their question with what they've done to solve their problem (if appropiate of course)

 

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I sometimes wonder if it any point attempting to give suggestions to a problem when the original poster never gives any feedback whether they received any assistance. I think it would add to the value of the question as if I read a question and the problem/resolution is written down I might learn something.

 

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Agree / Disagree ??

 

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Cheers, Nige

[shawn_stupidpost]

Second that. But I think most regulars do come back when the problem

they had was big. Trying to get fly-by-nighters to post results might

be futile though?

[thomas_wollstein]

It is frustrating not to have any feedback. I was fortunate so far in

that a fair share of those whom I tried to give hints replied by an

e-mail directly to me rather than to the list. However, I do agree

that matters raised on the list should, as a matter of principle, be

dealt with on the list unless the topic drifts just too far away (not

only for the sake of the person giving advice, but also for other

readers).

[christian_harkness]

I believe it would increase list participation if the original

poster, and I have seen this done, comes back with something like,

'thanks, this helped solve my problem [or this is what I did] and I

don't need any more input.'

[joe_cole]

Seems OK to me. I do get e-mail now and then from posters

who read my answers or suggestions.

[christopher_hargens]

I agree that for most questions feedback or an update is desirable;

however, in some cases (e.g., someone asking for technical info)

feedback isn't necessary because the answer is there for all to see.

[mason_resnick1]

Funny you should bring this up...I'm actually working on a "Poster

Tracker" program with Phil Greenspun that will trace every poster who

doesn't follow up on their forum posts and give them fifty lashes with

a wet roll of Tri-X...until they get back on and tell everybody how

their problem was resolved.

 

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Just kidding, folks!!!

 

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I agree--it's a good idea, gratifying to the people who give the

advice as well as to the person who maintains the forums :-). When my

time allows, I'll put a note about this on the Forum home page, maybe

even make it a "rule of the house"...it's always polite to say thank

you when someone helps you, right? (Sorry if that came off sounding a

bit too parental...I'm trying to teach my 4 year old about this

politenes stuff)

[chris_werner2]

I'm so glad to see this message as it actually speaks to a personal

dilemma I've pondered, i.e., I've never been entirely clear as to the

proper protocol or etiquette as regards responses to individuals that

contribute advice in a forum. I always appreciate hearing a response

and usually give one, but sometimes I don't, being plagued with some

doubt as to whether it's welcomed by others. (I'm not proud of

that, but it's an honest self-assessment).

 

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In the "real" world I would never neglect to thank someone, as it is

so rude to not do so, and the guilt would frankly plague me (it's

just not how I was raised). But "real" world standards of behavior

are so frequently ignored in forums (I can't imagine that a lot of

posters speak to people in person in the same condescending or

offensive manner of their post responses). I honestly have wondered

if I would be considered to be spamming someone by sending an e-mail

thank you. Neurotic, maybe, but frankly, I've been flamed on-line for

a lot less.

 

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Anyway, many thanks, Nigel, for posting this and clearing my muddled

thinking. I resolve to henceforth unfailingly thank contributors! Or

at least the polite ones ;).

[chris_werner2]

P.S. - If I have ever neglected to thank any of you for your help, mea

culpa, I apologize, and I give now my hearty thanks.

 

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And to Mason, thanks for all of your work. These forums are the most

fantastic resource. Your efforts are much appreciated.