Advice seekers

[Wongo]

I know we have talked about this in the past, but I will bring it again anyway. Quite often we receive emails from forum members or other woodworkers asking for opinions or advices. In my case it is mostly related to building rocking horses.

So we get the question, we do our research, get all the facts right and spend time to write a lengthy email. We are trying to offer as much help as possible to a stranger. And what do we get? NOTHING. Sometimes you get a 'thank you' but most of time nothing. You don't hear from them again.

I am just finding it a little bit annoyed.

[Chesand]

A little courtesy would be nice.

I have experienced the same thing after photocopying and sending information that was requested.

[BobL]

Good reminder Wongo.

Overall I would say I am pleased enough with the feedback I get. Some of you may know I offer perhaps more than my fair share of advice in some forums and subjects (like dust) that are perhaps trickier to deal than others. With tricky subjects I often usually understand why some of the responses are like they are or noticeable by their absence so I am not fussed about this.

[LGS]

Like BobL, I'm pretty happy with the feedback I get, (mostly on finishing and box making), but I do get distressed when I go to great lengths to explain why I do and use what I do, only to have people do something different and say the method doesn't work
Hell, that's why I'm a Curmudgeon!

Regards,

Rob

[wheelinround]

Scott there are those who ask for help and are greatfull and good friendships have been formed through many such instances. Then there is something I myself fear, which is taking advantage of others generous help of any kind I take care not to over step although I feel I may often do so.

[Scott]

Yeah, I've been stepped on a couple of times. It's just made me a bit more wary. I've often thought that there should be a section on this forum where member's bad habits are 'discussed'. Much like an eBay reputation system. It makes me think, how does the reputation thing work here? If I gave someone the thumbs down, is it visible for others to see?

[chambezio]

I understand what you fellas are saying. The greatest thing about THIS FORUM is the spirit that is intertwined with in it. Advice and experience are freely given and usually gratefully received. It would be a sad sad day if through a few unpleasant folks make that spirit dwindle and die. That old saying "You can't please everyone" should be aired.
I for one do get a bit miffed when, as you have been saying, you go to some trouble only to "be slapped in the face". We all need to put it behind us and move on (As difficult it may be at the time)

It just blows me away just how generous the members are on here. We should never take it for granted

Well that's my 2 bob's worth

[Master Splinter]

I think the worst are the ones who get advice offered by several people, and they mush it all together to come up with some frankenstein's monster of a solution using the bits they like the sound of - ie they take the advice to use mdf as a substrate, then the advice to wipe down to removing sanding dust...but they'll use water as they don't like solvents, then paint with water based paint as they have a can of ceiling white handy, and then they'll ask if putting shellac over it will give it a nice smooth gloss finish...

[Scribbly Gum]

This forum is simply a microcosm of society generally.
It will consist of a cross section of the kinds of people that we encounter in our everyday lives.
Some will have good manners, some will take us for granted and some will be the kinds of people that we would not choose as friends.
So requests and responses will reflect this.
On the whole though, you will find mostly people of good will.
Remember the good - let the rest go.

SG

[Wongo]

I agree. It is no big deal really. After all it did not and will not stop us from helping our fellow woodworkers.

[Ironwood]

I was recently asked by a forum member (by PM) how I did something. I gave back an explanation how I did it.
Then I see the next day, he has done a WIP of sorts , in it he uses the method I had told him the day before, making it sound like he has always been doing it that way.

While I am not after any credit for the idea, as I learnt it from someone else, I just thought it a bit odd.

[snowyskiesau]

The pleasure I've had from help and good advice from forum members and from being able to help someone else in even a small way, far out ways the very few bad experiences I've had with one or two members, their names are long forgotten.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me in the past in case I may have forgotten to thank you already

[Christos]

Now am I going to preach. Lets see how this turns out.

Personally I like to help people. I know that it is nice to hear the words thank you but that does not prevent me from helping them again or helping others.

I do get something out of it and that is a feeling of accomplished, the thank you is a bonus.

[murray44]

Well said Scribbly.

[BobL]

Acknowledgement of sources of ideas is a mark of a good scholar and gentle person.

I forget where that came from but let me acknowledge that it is not my idea