From roedy@BIX.com Sat Mar 29 12:49:20 1997
 From: Roedy Green <roedy@BIX.com>
X-Lines: 36

1. Say something specific about the problem in the subject line.  Don't
just say "help me please".

2. post it in only one newsgroup.  People who know the answer will get
ticked with you if you cross post.

3. Post the complete source code containing the problem.  Try to reproduce
the problem in as short a program as possible.  Often the problem is not
where you think it is.  E.g. there is a problem with a declaration, not the
expressions that use those variables.  It is much easier for someone to
test your code if they have all the source to compile.

4. check with The Java Glossary and the FAQs first to make sure you are not
asking a question that has been answered 100 times in the past month
already.  See my home page below for pointers to everything you need.

5. put a valid REPLY-TO address in your post.  Many people won't post an
answer publicly to a simple question.  I don't know how many times I have
composed private responses to people only to have them bounce back to me.

6. If at all possible, ask multiple choice questions.  This makes it much
easier for people to answer you quickly.  It also makes it easy for others
to judge your experience level so they can frame their answers in
appropriate language.  It also shows you have put some effort into solving
the question already.  If it looks like you are trying to get others to do
all the work for you, you won't get much response.

7. Run your post through a spell checker.  Sloppy spelling gives the
impression you are a slovenly programmer not worth bothering with.

Roedy Green               Roedy rhymes with Cody   roedy@bix.com
Canadian Mind Products    contract programming     (250) 285-2954 
POB 707 Quathiaski Cove   Quadra Island BC         Canada V0P 1N0 
http://oberon.ark.com/~roedy for CMP utilities and the Java glossary
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