|
LadyPact -> RE: Whaddya think? A forum for newbies? (2/14/2008 10:58:27 PM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: amadeus77
kyra,
In the computer world, we have an acronym that's often used on newbies: RTFM, as in Read The Fucking Manual. As a computer geek, I understand that it's sometimes tiresome to answer the same questions again and again. I try to be patient with them, though, and remember that for them, the question is brand new.
I have no patience, though, for people who use their experience to put others down. I find it weak and cowardly. And it's a little more than ironic that it's the Doms who so often do this. How can someone master others if they haven't even learned to master themselves?
I was actually going to respond to your prior thread in this post, but this one is probably better. I think you might have brought to light something very valuable.
Now, I never heard the little acronym RTFM, but your mention of your own experience as a computer geek, does parallel exactly what might be happening here. Rather than a BDSM forum, let's, for example, use the same situation for a computer tech discussion.
As a computer geek, how many times have you wanted to use your own expression for someone who is asking a simple question, that has been asked repeatedly, is written in several manuals or books, but the person just didn't want to rely on reading what's already out there? If you, in your field, have actually come up with such a quick little way of identifying this commonality, what makes you think the same thing doesn't happen right here on CM? When you've been asked the same question repeatedly, by different people, but the same issue, does it ever color your response or your opinion? Do you ever think, why don't you just RTFM?
It's really not up to CM to create a "newbie" board, or a FAQ list. I think that might be why the search function was created in the first place. Unlike what many would perceive from the current state, it really isn't everyone else's responsibility to cater to anyone else. In fact, those answers to those frequently asked questions are already out there. Just because they aren't directed to each individual who asks them, every single time they ask, doesn't mean the "Elite" haven't answered them before. Those of us who have been around a bit, have just as much right to think to ourselves...... RTFM.
|
|
|
|
