I Don't Mind Helping, But...

[BackdoorArts]

(Just a heads up, this is a lot about me just bitching, so if you don't care to read it feel free to move on)

On occasion I get PM's asking my opinion about this and that, or more detailed questions about something I've posted elsewhere. I don't mind answering, though I think that this kind of information/opinion is generally better shared openly so, a) everyone can read it, and b) I only have to type it once. But like I said, I generally don't mind.

With that said, in the last 2 weeks I've gotten more than a handful of these, generally dealing with Sony a6000 and D750 questions. Most folks have responded with a, "Hey, thanks a lot for taking the time", but more and a couple have received lengthy and detailed responses, some while fighting off flu-like symptoms, and after several days I've heard not a peep in response. Not even a simple 3-letter "Thx" or a 2-letter "FU". I would have appreciated either over the utter lack of acknowledgement you gave to my effort to help you.

So, with that said, I'm copping an attitude about this, and unless we've had some sort of external communication before, or established some type of report here on the forum, don't bother asking me private questions - I will not respond. Obviously your time is worth far more than mine, and your desire for information is purely selfish, and I have no stomach for such stuff. You're tantamount to the telemarketer who not only interrupts a family dinner, but calls me back when I hang up on you.

You can all feel free to tag me in an open forum and I'll do my best to respond promptly, if only for the benefit of others. And I apologize to those of you who may have pinged me recently and who did respond to my note back - this is not about you, and you can all feel free to keep on writing.

End of rant. No replies necessary.

 

[Roy1961]

after all its nice to be nice, if someone asks a question surely it should warrant a thank you response, i hope i did when you answered my questions (none lately).

i have 6 letters for the advice you have given me....thanks, sorry mate cant fit fu in there any where.

 

[mikew_RIP]

A thank you costs nothing but is always appreciated

 

[WayneF]

On occasion I get PM's asking my opinion about this and that, or more detailed questions about something I've posted elsewhere. I don't mind answering, though I think that this kind of information/opinion is generally better shared openly so, a) everyone can read it, and b) I only have to type it once. But like I said, I generally don't mind.

IMO, this is the big point. The forum is for discussions, others are interested, and public is to every ones benefit. Answering is work, so one time is best. Public can help others, and I like to think that the openness keeps the responses from making stuff up.

No acknowledgment is just how it often is anymore. Sad, but if that is a problem, then it's the wrong business to be in.

 

[Pretzel]

I'm a firmly established "old-school" type of guy... I still hold the door for folks, help out whenever I can, and smile and say "good morning" when I pass someone whether I know 'em or not. Sure fire way to get my blood churning is to skip the "thanks".

I understand, man! PLUS, hope the flu bug has flown out the window so you can get back to your normal mayhem!

And although I've said it before... THANKS! for all the advice, tutorials and general coolness. Never met ya (yet), but when I do, the first round is on me!

 

[rocketman122]

a lot of takers in this very selfish world.

 

[SteveL54]

I'm a firmly established "old-school" type of guy... I still hold the door for folks, help out whenever I can, and smile and say "good morning" when I pass someone whether I know 'em or not. Sure fire way to get my blood churning is to skip the "thanks". I understand, man! PLUS, hope the flu bug has flown out the window so you can get back to your normal mayhem! And although I've said it before... THANKS! for all the advice, tutorials and general coolness. Never met ya (yet), but when I do, the first round is on me!

I agree 100% on this. Seems that lately common courtesy has gone by the wayside.

On thing that has answered most of my questions has been using the "search" button. I find that 99.9% of my questions have already been asked by someone just as puzzled as me. The there is a wealth of information here if you just use the resources available to find it.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Jake, an appropriate rant... good for you!!!

Pat in GA

 

[fotojack]

I couldn't agree more, Jake. It happens far too often for my liking...but I still try to help where I can, when I can, and if I can. A 'thank you' is not much to ask for taking the time to help another photographer with a problem. There are days when I just ignore a lot of requests for help, but more often than not, I give it a shot, because it's frustrating when you don't hear back from the person you helped. Hopefully this will change in the new year, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

I wholeheartedly agree with Jake. Don't take anyone's help for granted.

Sent from my SGH-T399 using Tapatalk

 

[Anco]

Rant fully justified. Nobody's time is free and "thank you" is a more than fair price.

 

[RocketCowboy]

Jake, I don't think I'm on the offender list but I will say publicly "Thank You" for all the knowledge and assistance you put out into this community. Thanks for all your contributions and passion for helping people gain more understanding in how to use these cameras better!

 

[hark]

Being one of the people who has picked your brain on several occasions, I am always very appreciative of your information, Jake. Your responses tend to be quite detailed and immensely informative. Having a teaching degree myself, the info you provide is carefully thought out and presented in step-by-step pieces. Not only are you an excellent photographer, you are an excellent teacher. Thanks for all you bring to the board. It's members like you who are so helpful which makes Nikonites such an excellent photography resource.

 

[skene]

I feel we should all pat each other in the back and receive a TY at the minimum for any words used which are helpful in any way and assist your future being as a photographer. I am thankful for any that spend the time to answer all questions both big and small and are able to assist in shedding light through this very dark mystery of photography.



However I know that I am not one of these offenders.

 

[BackdoorArts]

I appreciate the responses, folks, none of which were necessary or looked for. I just needed to get this off my chest. I suspect anyone who would have taken the time to read it is not the type of person who would take anyone's time for granted, so no worries here. More times than not the folks I'm speaking of are infrequent forum folks cruising in looking for an answer only to disappear for a while until they have another issue. And as I've told folks who have reached out to me privately asking that question from the last supper, "Is it I?", I can only say, "Absolutely not, and if it had been and I was offended I would have reached out personally." If nothing else this was just putting a stake in the ground so that when someone things I'm being a bit of an elitist snob by not responding to a future PM for my help I can point here if it gets nasty.

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

@BackdoorHippie - I've found you to be the one who goes out of your way to help others and I appreciate it. Not so much for me, but by your responses, it does help me learn. I've never considered you to be a snob of any type, and for that, I'm grateful. Many websites have those 'Holier than Thou' posters who think they're above answering simple questions. I think the reason this site is so much fun is because we don't have many like that. I appreciate all your efforts and time spent. Now, when do you want to write that book? Or do the video series? I think you've got a future in that if you choose to do it. You're that good! Thanks again for all your help to the whole community.

 

[§am]

I bet the "no thankers" either gave up half way through your post or read it all, and STILL don't have the common courtesy to say thank you!!!

If you are giving someone 'free' advice, the very least is a thank you from them.
If I ever ask someone for advice without knowing them well, I make sure in the initial request I always say "in case I don't get a chance to reply straight away or there is a delay before I can, thanks in advance for taking the time to read through my message, and many thanks if you take the time to reply with appropriate information".

Manners cost NOTHING

 

[Sandpatch]

In a broader sense, I think the same scene is repeated when a new member joins the forum, offers up a confused post seeking help, then receives a number of helpful responses which then hang in space without a word of thanks or resolution. I try to treat the members here with kindness and respect, just as I would in person. Our new age of electronic wizardry has no doubt left some people thinking that they are somehow insulated from being courteous or they don't understand the concept of a simple "thank you".

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

@BackdoorHippie , I have a couch I need help moving this weekend. Could you come by and help me please? Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnFrench]

BackDoorHippie I would never take a rock for granite, and would always be sure to thank you for information, as I have in the past on my, "oil spots" post, concerning my D7100.