If you’re asking for help, please don’t use those words…

There are 2 types of information you should be conveying; specific details and general attitude.  The latter is so much more important then the former.

What kind of specifics should you give?  Anything relevant really.  In essence, be detailed and specific.  No need to write an novelette.  No need to explain why you are doing what you are doing.  I look for:

• If you’re using my software or code, what version?
• Can you recreate the problem?  How?
• Can I see the problem live?  Where?
• Was it working before?  What caused it to stop?

The general attitude though is more important.  First of all, please be polite, and please speak in full sentences (yes, even if u r email plz, kthxbye).  Take a few moments to explain how you’ve already tried to help yourself.  Is there documentation you could read first?  Explain what you read.  Have you searched for answers yet?  Time to start.  Basically, just show that you are trying, and you aren’t just wasting the time of the person whom you are asking.

After you’ve given help, do 2 things.  First, I polite “thanks” is always appreciated.  Next, if you are part of a community, take a few moments to help out others around you as well.  Answering other people’s questions is a fantastic way to learn - and to become more skilled yourself.

Ah yes, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t like link to Eric Raymond’s “How To Ask Questions The Smart Way”.