Q & A courtesies
I was reprimanded recently (offline) by a moderator on this site. I had suggested that a response that included the phrase "I have heard that..." was improper and was not appropriate as an answer to a question of "what position should I leave my transmission in while sailing?" The answerer was simply wrong in saying that it didn't matter for this particular transmission, indicating that forward would work, too. That would have ruined the transmission!!! I suggested that before he answer a question, he should either consider whether he knew enough to answer it (rumors and/or hearsay aren't answers), or use links to definitive manufacturer's data and instructions. The fact that the incorrect poster then argued that he'd said something different than what he originally actually had written didn't earn him any more respect.
The moderator was concerned that I may have chased someone away who may have been new to posting. I understood the sensitivity. However, I did mention that I was more concerned about the original questioner's transmission than I was about a thin-skinned poster who hadn't learned that misinformation is as deadly and wrong as deliberately incorrect information.
This site has one of the very best "How to ask a question" topics I've ever seen. Maybe the moderators should add a "How to answer" section, too.
I cheered when I read Peggie's original answer last night, and read it to my wife who agreed.
It's not unreasonable to expect that after having written an entire BOOK about a subject that folks would: --- buy the book --- read it --- implement it -- BUT at least ask a question BEFORE they go do something if they're not sure. And if they'd bought and read the book, that particular question is so basic to the entire concept of how marine toilets work, that it appears he may not have absorbed the contents of the manuscript. Read it again, then.
And folks should not get upset about the answer because a little homework and research goes a looong way.
It's disappointing that some will feel they have to take their marbles and go home. But I applaud those who keep answering questions with facts, and provide opinions where applicable. Opinions, unless specifically identified, have no place in responding to technical questions.
Now, sail trim, on the other hand, is simply voodoo and there are absolutely no right answers on that subject, right Don?
