Common Frustration

Question

I read this in an article about Linux, but I think the idea certainly applies here as well (and probably in forums everywhere).
I posted a message on a forum, but Linux people were mean to me.
in most examples of this complaint, the individual concerned brought wrath on themselves in one of several ways:
b) By not doing basic homework before asking for help, such as searching the forum for a particular issue that may be extremely common. There's only so many times community members can answer the same query before getting annoyed;
The italics and underlining are added.  I personally would include "getting a proper education in video production" as the very first item on the list of Basic Homework - whether it's a formal education in school, on-the-job-training at a company, or just oodles of reading by a hobbyist, one should be sufficiently familiar with the world of professional video production before one even buys Premiere Pro.  Hell, if I had my way, there'd be an Adobe cop in front of the "store" checking credentials.  Like the line says, there's just so many "why can't I edit my non-editable media" questions one can take.  Unfortunately, we're not really allowed to post as a response: "Dude, you're an idiot.  You have no idea what you're doing, and no business using this software, so just get the (bleep) out of here."
I feel somewhat better knowing my frustration is shared by users in other online communities.

Answer 1

Jim,
 You "killed" the fora. I went to reply, and the entire Adobe forum server died! 
I feel your frustration, but easily see Jeff's points above.
One thing that modified my thinking a bit, was spending some time in the Premiere Elements forum. Bought that program to handle some odd formats, and decided to learn more about it in the process.
I read every article in it. I saw the same five questions asked 1000 times. The MOD over there, Steve Grisetti, patiently answered each one. Usually, this was with a link to the FAQ's. I grew to appreciate his patience. Now, I realize that the normal users of PE are not the norm for PrPro users, but sometimes they can be very similar.
With the old fora, Search was easier and the display of the FAQ's was better. Now, a user, especially a new one, will have a much more difficult time. Google is not any help yet, as most/all links to older Adobe forum articles are dead. Hope that the 'bots fix those, if possible.
Also, many users in PrPro fora are trying to do work and get hit with deadlines. They become frustrated and terrified. At one time, or another, it happens to all of us. They reach out, in desperation, for any sort of help, and do not clearly think things through. Heck, I've done it too many times, and I should know better.
Personally, I think that the re-inclusion of Harm's "How to Ask a Question," is a great one. Now, if only more would read it though, before posting.
My time in the PE forum has changed the way that I answer many questions. Some of that does carry over to the PrPro and Encore fora, and I may come off as condescending. That is never my intent - only to get useful info into the hands of the posters. I never wish to speak down to anyone, but have found that if I use the jargon, however proper, it often does not translate to a new user of the software, or to one new to NLE’s or even to computers.
While you and I have slight disagreements, on the subject of education (you make good points, BTW), I try to supply a bit of that education within the fora.
Yes, I do feel your frustration, from time to time, especially when a poster begins ranting, and will never furnish the answers to questions asked by others in a very courteous manner. That gets me, more than the same question being asked ad infinitum.
Just some musings,
Hunt
[Edit] Boy, with the forum logging me out every 40 sec. and the formatting going wonky, this might be the most "messed up" reply that I'd had in months!