svetz
Works in theory! Practice? That's something else
Posted a question, but no one has responded... how can I get help?
Members typically don't respond to questions for a few reasons, avoiding those pitfalls can greatly increase the odds of getting a response.
Did you need to post a Question?
If a question is asked frequently readers may be burned out by it ... but the answer you need might be there just waiting for you to search the forums. You can also use fancier engines such as Google by making the engine site-specific (e.g., on Google add site=http://diysolarforum.com/ to the query).
Also, check the FAQ index. Even if it doesn't have the exact answer, you might learn enough about the math or vernacular to phrase a question so readers can respond more precisely.
Thread Titles
Members that regularly help people scan the titles in a sub-forum looking for threads where they have the knowledge to help. So, use a title that states the problem nature in as few words as possible, "How to get stuck bolt out of a Battery?", "What is Magnum Error code 112?", "Please review my Beer Brewery Solar schematic". Stay away from titles like "what do you think?", "Why oh why?", members pressed for time might just pass them by.
Sub-Forums
Post in the correct sub-forum. A wind question in the Solar Panels sub-forum probably might not get a response because the members into Wind might not be looking there. If you realize after the fact you've posted in the wrong sub-forum, use the REPORT button to report your thread and ask a moderator to move it.
Easy to Read
Make the post easy to read. Please use paragraphs. Posts containing many sentences without a break (walls of text) are difficult to read. Use headings to organize topics within the post. For brevity, isolate complex data as a numbered list of items rather than incorporate it into long hard-to-read sentences. Be concise, don't use all upper case, use complete sentences, and use English.
Any diagrams should be easily readable. The site compresses images, so use links to high-res images or PDF attachments if possible.
It's okay to add length to a post to be social - members often enjoy reading about real-life experiences, why you're doing what you're doing, pictures of your DIY. But try not to embed questions and facts within that as many will skip over it.
Friendly
Members like to help people, but often shun those they see as rude or unkind. You've all probably seen how quickly threads can go off the rails when emotions come into play, don't be those guys. We're all human and have bad days, so if that has been you then a simple apology might be enough to unflip the bozo bit.
Most likely when this sort of misunderstanding happens it is a miscommunication where they just didn't understand what you were asking. You can self-test any post; there should never be any reference or innuendo about a member - the focus should be on the question/answer.
If it's something that sounds wrong/crazy, it might be - but don't tell them they're crazy and off their meds. Instead, succinctly repeat what you think you read and ask for clarification or a reference link... if something is bogus/wrong, usually other members will point it out.... but sometimes what we know to be true is also no longer correct - so please listen with an open mind and verify what you learn. Also, keep an open mind about follow-up questions. Even if you ruled it out, or think it's unrelated, it might help another member better understand the problem and provide better advice.
Report
If someone doesn't treat you with respect, then report the post rather than try to deal with it. Members trying to resolve the issue usually just cause the thread to derail further. That behavior is not tolerated on these forums and it will be resolved.
Members typically don't respond to questions for a few reasons, avoiding those pitfalls can greatly increase the odds of getting a response.
Did you need to post a Question?
If a question is asked frequently readers may be burned out by it ... but the answer you need might be there just waiting for you to search the forums. You can also use fancier engines such as Google by making the engine site-specific (e.g., on Google add site=http://diysolarforum.com/ to the query).
Also, check the FAQ index. Even if it doesn't have the exact answer, you might learn enough about the math or vernacular to phrase a question so readers can respond more precisely.
Thread Titles
Members that regularly help people scan the titles in a sub-forum looking for threads where they have the knowledge to help. So, use a title that states the problem nature in as few words as possible, "How to get stuck bolt out of a Battery?", "What is Magnum Error code 112?", "Please review my Beer Brewery Solar schematic". Stay away from titles like "what do you think?", "Why oh why?", members pressed for time might just pass them by.
Sub-Forums
Post in the correct sub-forum. A wind question in the Solar Panels sub-forum probably might not get a response because the members into Wind might not be looking there. If you realize after the fact you've posted in the wrong sub-forum, use the REPORT button to report your thread and ask a moderator to move it.
Easy to Read
Make the post easy to read. Please use paragraphs. Posts containing many sentences without a break (walls of text) are difficult to read. Use headings to organize topics within the post. For brevity, isolate complex data as a numbered list of items rather than incorporate it into long hard-to-read sentences. Be concise, don't use all upper case, use complete sentences, and use English.
But English isn't my native language
Members are often intrigued by speaking to and learning about faraway places. But it can be frustrating. Write the post in your native language and append to the post the google translation.
Colloquialisms are the bane of translators. Some are so common we don't even realize we're using them and translations are often very amusing in unintended ways. A common trick when corresponding in a foreign language is to use the translator to convert it, then copy/paste and convert it back. Iterate changing words until the message conveys what you really mean.
Any diagrams should be easily readable. The site compresses images, so use links to high-res images or PDF attachments if possible.
It's okay to add length to a post to be social - members often enjoy reading about real-life experiences, why you're doing what you're doing, pictures of your DIY. But try not to embed questions and facts within that as many will skip over it.
Friendly
Members like to help people, but often shun those they see as rude or unkind. You've all probably seen how quickly threads can go off the rails when emotions come into play, don't be those guys. We're all human and have bad days, so if that has been you then a simple apology might be enough to unflip the bozo bit.
Most likely when this sort of misunderstanding happens it is a miscommunication where they just didn't understand what you were asking. You can self-test any post; there should never be any reference or innuendo about a member - the focus should be on the question/answer.
If it's something that sounds wrong/crazy, it might be - but don't tell them they're crazy and off their meds. Instead, succinctly repeat what you think you read and ask for clarification or a reference link... if something is bogus/wrong, usually other members will point it out.... but sometimes what we know to be true is also no longer correct - so please listen with an open mind and verify what you learn. Also, keep an open mind about follow-up questions. Even if you ruled it out, or think it's unrelated, it might help another member better understand the problem and provide better advice.
Report
If someone doesn't treat you with respect, then report the post rather than try to deal with it. Members trying to resolve the issue usually just cause the thread to derail further. That behavior is not tolerated on these forums and it will be resolved.
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