Re: "RTFM" is not an answer, and it's RUDE!
From: DBF (huskysoccermom_at_aol.com)
Date: 02/13/04
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Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 07:12:00 -0800
Well, since I started this discussion thread, I guess I'll put my OTHER two
cents in.
I am not opposed to the notion of telling people to read the manual or look
on the web. I just think that RTFM is a silly way to express it. It might be
some kind of commonly used term, but the reason I started this post is that
I saw a previous topic where the guy didn't know what RTFM was. In fact, the
poor guy thought that the message was blank, because all he saw was: RTFM. I
think he thought it was someone's initials.
Taking the time to *politely* suggest that someone read the manual is worth
the minimal effort needed.
It's funny you mention how people seem to be looking for magic bullets,
making no effort to learn their own equipment or solve their own problems,
or search for the answer themselves.
The magic bullet issue works both ways. I am astonished at the number of
people who respond to people's posts without having "RTFPC" {"Read The
F***ing Post Completely"), and then submit one of the following boilerplate
answers:
1) You have a virus. (I didn't)
2) You need to install the drivers. (The device used the native XP drivers.)
3) You need to reformat your hard drive. (No, I didn't)
4) Your BIOS settings are wrong. (No, they weren't)
5) Check your USB settings in Device Manager. ( This was my favorite, from
an MVP; my problem was with an EIDE drive.)
etc,
Anyway, I had better quit while I'm ahead, or behind, not sure which. I'd
better go "RTFLM". ("Read The F***ing Life Manual")
Dave
"Len" <len207@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:exGxOOj8DHA.2460@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> Maybe I'm jumping in late or speaking out of turn but RTFM is a useful
> response. Maybe not in its literal context but as a pointer to many who
> have not taken the time actually learn about their equipment!
>
> There are times when people who post here have not even read the posts
from
> the day before which actually answered their question (often for the 4th
or
> 5th time).
>
> There are those who feel indisposed to help themselves but rather expect
> others to provide the "magic formula" to resolve all of their computer
> related problems. They are the same ones who will rant because someone
> 5,000 miles from their computer can not provide that "magic formula"!
>
> There was a comical (but with a grain of truth) about customers who would
> call tech support for assistance but had taken made no effort to learn
their
> equipment. The film called them "12 oclock flashers" because that is how
> all the appliances with a time display appeared. Obviously not the type
who
> RTFM.
>
> I can picture that type getting on the NG and asking "how do we set the
time
> on our VCR?" They would provide no further information and then lash out
at
> anyone who suggests they read their manual for the appropriate steps to
> take!
>
> Oh well, enough of my ranting, it is just something that bugs me. People
> come to the NG for information but don't read the previous posts... they
buy
> equipment but don't read the manuals!
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
> news:uQayjQc8DHA.632@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> > Joep;
> > They are insulting to many, maybe not to you but to many.
> > Fortunately you do not represent everyone.
> >
> > Your comment "Has nothing to do with that." shows a lot about your
> > true lack of knowledge.
> > It has everything to do with it.
> > Many will feel beat down by such answers.
> > If people do not come because someone has to boost their own ego at
> > others expense a large purpose of these groups has been lost.
> >
> > "RTFM" is an insult because it is translated directly.
> > This is an answer in ignorance as well as rudeness.
> > If you fail to see this, you should open your eyes and see outside the
> > small circle you have encased yourself.
> >
> > It is nobody else's fault but yours if you waste your time.
> > So do not complain to us about how you use your time.
> >
> > Newsgroups are a very diverse group and never will comply with the
> > narrow type of ideas you seem to think they should.
> >
> > And bottom posting is considered wrong in others.
> > However preaching such as you in an obviously incorrect forum is
> > impolite everywhere.
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/
> >
> >
> > "Joep" <j o e p @ d i y d a t a r e c o v e r y . n l> wrote in
> > message news:9b582$402bfb06$3eddca68$10734@nf2.news-service.com...
> > > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:e30blBb8DHA.1596@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> > > > Joep;
> > > > To the contrary, comments like "RTFM" are insulting,
> > >
> > > No they aren't.
> > >
> > > > rude and a
> > > > detriment to forums such as this.
> > > > When people feel insulted, they tend to not come back to be
> > treated
> > > > rudely again.
> > > > It is also a miserable attempt of the user to boost his own ego at
> > the
> > > > expense of others.
> > >
> > > Has nothing to do with that.
> > >
> > > > If a constructive answer can not be given, better to not answer at
> > > > all.
> > >
> > > RTFM can be a very constructive answer. The F manual is a good place
> > to
> > > start, many don't even unwrap it so it seems.
> > >
> > > > Manuals are not always provided, you may ask for them, but there
> > is
> > > > not always a requirement to provide it.
> > >
> > > ? then RTFFDG (for dummies guide). If there's specific questions on
> > > motherboards etc, hoe about visiting the manufacturers website?
> > >
> > > > What is easy to you or I may not be so easy to others.
> > > >
> > >
> > > I never made such claims. I actually gave solid advise, get dummy
> > guides.
> > > They're cheap and good.
> > >
> > > > If you feel someone is wasting your time, look in the mirror.
> > >
> > > And then what?
> > >
> > > > Since this is a totally voluntary forum, the image you see is the
> > one
> > > > who wastes your time.
> > >
> > > Offering help on a voluntary basis doesn't mean perse that I am
> > interested
> > > in wasting my time or that I am willing to award lazyness. I am more
> > willing
> > > to spent some time when the poster indicates what resources have
> > already
> > > been accessed etc..
> > >
> > > > Courtesy is far better in any forum.
> > > >
> > >
> > > RTFM isn't an insult. Maybe if you translate it directly, but you
> > shouldn't.
> > > RTFM is slang. RTFM is an institute. Anyway, top-posting is
> > considered
> > > impolite in many usenet groups.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Joep
> >
> >
>
>
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- In reply to: Len: "Re: "RTFM" is not an answer, and it's RUDE!"
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