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)

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.

Agree / Disagree ??

Cheers, Nige

-- Nigel Smith (nlandgl@eisa.net.au), January 11, 2000

Answers

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?

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), January 11, 2000.

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).

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), January 11, 2000.

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.'

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), January 11, 2000.

Seems OK to me. I do get e-mail now and then from posters who read my answers or suggestions.

-- Joe Cole (jcole@apha.com), January 11, 2000.

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.

-- Christopher Hargens (ldmr@cruzio.com), January 11, 2000.

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.

Just kidding, folks!!!

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)

-- Mason Resnick (bwworld@mindspring.com), January 11, 2000.

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).

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.

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 Werner (cbwerner@att.net), January 11, 2000.

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.

And to Mason, thanks for all of your work. These forums are the most fantastic resource. Your efforts are much appreciated.

-- Chris Werner (cbwerner@att.net), January 11, 2000.