Do we refuse to answer a badly written subject line? was Re: [iBook] Can anyone help?

[Robert Ameeti]

This is not a matte of 'refusing to answer' but rather not bothering 
to read every post but instead only taking the time to read those 
posts that might be interesting or relative to someone's interest or 
knowledge.

The Internet is easily a source of information overload. We don't 
have the time or interest to read everything that is available to be 
read. If something catches our eye as interesting, or about something 
we already know something about, we are more likely to take the time 
to read it. A post titled 'Can someone help' is only going to attract 
those knights in shining white armor wanting to be there for everyone 
else in need but probably lacking in expertise as to the particular 
problem at hand. If the subject were instead 'I can't get my mail 
from my ISP', this might well attract the attention of someone who 
has recently gone through the issue and solved the problem as well as 
being willing to share their pain and joy at the answer. It might 
also be noted by the local mail expert.

It is always the original posters choice as to how to title the 
subject. Post something specific, or cry for help. I know which one 
is more productive. Do you?



At 12:26 PM -0400, 5/24/07, Steve R wrote:

>At 9:13 AM -0700 5/24/07, Robert Ameeti posted:
>>  I don't think snobbery is the issue here. The user had not 
>>received much of a response and a suggestion was offered as to how 
>>to get more people to read the query and perhaps respond. You have 
>>a problem with suggestions?
>
>Obviously people read the original post because just look at how 
>many have jumped into this discussion on how to format. The reason 
>there were no suggestions? No one had any suggestions or whomever 
>had a suggestion decided not to post. It is doubtful a bad subject 
>line was the reason for the silence on this list but let's ask 
>anyway.
>
>**Does anyone know the answer and have you refused to answer because 
>the subject line wasn't specific?**
>
>I'll go first. No, I don't know the answer and no, I wouldn't refuse 
>to answer because of a badly written subject line.
>
>Steve R


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Robert Ameeti

A thing not worth doing isn't worth doing well.
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