Message board etiquette for programmers

Post an answer, but be sure it is untested. It should also contain at least one error. It is very probable that if I join your broken code with my broken code that we will obfuscate the problem. Therefore, I will no longer need the answer.

Inform me if the programming language I am using is broken, and that no answer you provide will be sufficient. I do not mind rewriting the entire application in your language of choice. By doing so I will become a better programmer.

“Hey man, I know the answer. I’m just checkin’ my e-mail at Comic-Con though, so I don’t have time to post it now. George Takei rules!”

Inform me when my question could have been answered had I first taken the time to read the official documentation. It is highly unlikely that I checked there first, and if I did, it never hurts to read it again. Thank you for this reminder.

Let others know if you have the same question. Well, not exactly the same question? Actually, it is a different question altogether? Well, it is readily apparent from your Caps Lock that you have missed a deadline. Maybe I can help — did you read the official documentation?

Please post at least one link to a completely unrelated post, preferably on another message board. In the day-to-day shuffle I often become stressed, and I could use a healthy distraction. I will never find that kind of tranquility on YouTube.

Inform me when you have the answer, but let me know if I should PM you first because the business logic is proprietary. It is good that you have taken me into your inner circle of trust. I am sure there are no legal implications, but we trust each other now, so you will let me know.

Inform me that the answer I seek is to a question I have not asked. If you let me know what you think I want to know, instead of what I need to know, then I will no longer need the answer I thought I was here to ask. Working in a Star Wars quote might help.

“Dude, Comic-Con was a blast! Why you tryin’ to do that mess with Java? Learn Ruby on Rails instead! Peace.”

• Posted by Brian
• August 30th, 2007