RE: [PHP] [Newbie Guide] For the benefits of new members

On 11 August 2003 18:08, Van Andel, Robbert wrote:

> Personally, I think one of the worst replies someone on the
> list can do when
> someone new asks a question is send only a link to the manual. It's
> presumption that everyone will understand the way the manual
> is worded.
> There have been times when it's confused me and I needed
> another perspective
> on the topic. If you find the question juvenile or unworthy
> of anything
> more than a link to the manual, don't reply to it.

The best way to combat this is to *say* that you've RTFM and don't
understand it -- this should stop you getting simple RTFM answers. If you
can be fairly precise about what's confusing you, then you should get good,
focussed answers. You might even get a manual editor tuning in who can
improve the manual in the light of your comments.

If I respond with a link to the manual, it's usually because I think the
manual says it as well as (or better than) I can -- not through laziness.
But, yes, I have over 20 years' experience of reading (and writing!)
manuals, and sometimes I may overestimate the usefulness of a manual page to
a beginner -- so I won't be offended if you come back from RTFM-ing and say
something like "I read that, but I don't understand x because y -- could you
explain a bit further, please?".

Cheers!

Mike

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike Ford, Electronic Information Services Adviser,
Learning Support Services, Learning & Information Services,
JG125, James Graham Building, Leeds Metropolitan University,
Beckett Park, LEEDS, LS6 3QS, United Kingdom
Email: m.ford@lmu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 113 283 2600 extn 4730 Fax: +44 113 283 3211

And don't forget, the user-added notes at the bottom of the functions pages
are extremely useful to see actual code usage along with tips or potential
conflicts on various systems!

Those alone offer countless user-generated examples that are usually similar
to content that people on the list might generate.

-M

-----Original Message-----
From: Ford, Mike [LSS] [mailto:M.Ford@lmu.ac.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 5:23 AM
To: 'Van Andel, Robbert'; PHP Mailing List
Subject: RE: [php] [Newbie Guide] For the benefits of new members

<snip>

If I respond with a link to the manual, it's usually because I think the
manual says it as well as (or better than) I can -- not through laziness.
But, yes, I have over 20 years' experience of reading (and writing!)
manuals, and sometimes I may overestimate the usefulness of a manual page to
a beginner -- so I won't be offended if you come back from RTFM-ing and say
something like "I read that, but I don't understand x because y -- could you
explain a bit further, please?".

Cheers!

Mike