Rockbox General > Rockbox General Discussion

Unfriendly responses to newbie questions?

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radi0j0hn:
I spend a bit of time looking at forums for Linux, digital cameras and a few other tech topics.  I'm also the author of more than a dozen "how-to" tutorials that have been proaised in the US and UK.

I was shocked at the (frankly) snotty responses that some posters are getting from so-called experts here!

One person simply asked if their unit could use Rockbox.   A MODERATOR, a person who should be doing everything possible to promote use of the product, would NOT give an answer.  Instead, the poster was told that "we" prefer them to look it up on some list.

That's like stopping at the border of some state and asking directions and being told that "we" prefer you look it up on a map!

Message to Rockbox officials:  get a little less elite, or the word will get out that you are wrapped too tight and don't want to deal with new people.

JdGordon:
we have enough users causing problems as it is, so scaring off one or two who would just cause more support headache later is no big deal.

LambdaCalculus:
I don't understand how politely being asked to post information in our wiki corresponds to "unfriendly responses". Personally, I think both Chronon and Llorean were being very polite to you.

Now, if someone had said something like, "Hey loser, take that info and go stick it!", *then* I would call that unfriendly. But seeing as how that didn't happen, I don't know why you have to be so upset about.

TexasRockbox:
I think perception has a lot to do with the the *perceived* attitude and the user's inability to adjust to a certain mindset.  I've been on the receiving end of what others would call "snotty" but I do understand that this is first and foremost a developer's forum and to keep it usable the "signal to noise" ratio has to be kept low for reasons:

1) Don't bog down the developers with endless questions already answered and documented (yet there are still plenty of these)
2) Keep the "chit-chat" to a bare minimum so that real information can be found.

Obviously the developers have gone to a lot of time and trouble to make information available for those inclined to look and read.  There is really a *ton* of information.  Like any project of this complexity sometimes the reference material conflicts or is out of date.  Making note of that situation is only fair -- but give specific examples so the information can be made correct and consistent.  Personally,if I was visiting an unfamiliar state or country I'd first look up what I'd want to do and how to get there without depending upon the memory of a local who just might not remember correctly or fully understand my language --  a sure recipe for getting lost and spawning a whole lot more questions.

I've been going on Rockbox for over a year and a half (fast approaching two years) and it works great and I usually find the information I need if I go digging around a bit.

Now having said all that maybe there is a place for a "newbie section" to ask all the repeated questions (i.e. when is iPod Classic supported) that could be answered by those not tired of repeating the same answer over and over and just clear it out every month or so, but, in doing so we might lose people in that section who never graduate out of it and learn the riches Rockbox has to offer -- if only they would look.

Mikerman:
I have found the unfortunate, unnecessary rudeness of a moderator to turn forum nondevelopers off and cause them simply to give up and leave, as has been commented in the forums previously.  Perhaps not a big deal to some, it is sad to see and only hinders, not helps, even as to a nondeveloper and what he or she might bring.  In my humble opinion, it is just as easy to make a point helpfully.  But what do I know.   And hopefully this is/becomes limited.

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