Is it impolite to reply "RTFM" to a question?

[YoungFart]

I've noticed that in the forums here people way too often ask a question without researching it for a possible answer at all. I'm talking about something obvious, like looking it up in the Windows Help or on the MS web site.
What do you think, are the good old days gone, when a valid answer was "RTFM"?
For those who've never heard about it, RTFM means "Read The F..king Manual".

 

[Slacker]

No, I dont think RTFM is impolite, maybe STFU & RTFM :| might be considered rude though

 

[IBuyUFO]

I don't think it's polite. Why can't you just say read the manual first and then come back if you have any further questions? But on the other hand if you like to be mean in order to make yourself feel better then go ahead.

 

[pulpp]

i think its used more as an acronym than an insult, thought i agree with the answer above, there is no need to use it specially toward a newbie.

 

[goldboyd]

I don't really think it's impolite, as long as you include at least a little bit of info. For example, "RTFM, specifically man dhcpd" Those are the answers you learn the most from, imho, where you get a pointer, but still have to figure it out on your own.

 

[MrWhiteUK]

I think RTFM was more valid when manuals actually contained SOME useful information!

Most manuals are a frickin' waste of time.

But, yeah I see where your coming from, you mean people don't do ANY research before they post. Perhaps it's beacause you always get a helpful answer here?


Peace

 

[WoundedWallet]

If you're not gonna help why post anything at all?

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

isn't this what the forum is for? not having to do research?

 

[Zoltarc]

Agreed!

And for increasing your post count

 

[Sunner]

<< isn't this what the forum is for? not having to do research? >>


Not IMO.
Depends of course on what kind of research it is, if its something big that might take you hours while it might take 5 minutes to explain for someone who knows, then thats one thing.

But when people dont even bother trying, thats reason enough to not answer IMO.
Heck I allways at least try to find what Im looking for before asking for other people's time, I'd considder anything less rude on my part.

 

[Presence]

Sometimes the advise of many help speed up the process. Sometimes one person cant think of whats wrong or figure it out, specially with how lame manuals are these days.

My advise....

DO NOT GET MARRIED AT A YOUNG AGE.....COMPUTER GONE!!! BYE BYE NO MORE

 

[morriswindgate]

Look at it this way, the idiots that write these programs can't figure out what to do when they have a problem (ie:Bluescreens) the hardware manufactures just translate the manuals from Chinese to English instead of writing a newone, and most of the manuals are just overviews with the attitude that you should go to their website.
The one good thing about these forums is that they cause you to think and solve problems that you may have never seen. Because of this you read about stuff that you never would have otherwise. We should Thank the people that ask the questions.

 

[Rand]

I don't think RTFM is very polite unless the person is asking ablatantly obvious question.

 

[DaHitman]

How about:

TSGBYATSQ??? = Try searching google before you ask that stupid question?

 

[mOrphine]

i have come across questions whose answers are very obvious with a little (re)search... and makes me wonder abt some ppl taking forums for granted.

im not trying to sound like a guru here, cos i myself post questions in this forum.

but before anyone decides to post a thread, i believe he/she should search the forum first if searching the net is too much hassle.

dats my modus operandi anyway... just to avoid being flamed

ps. all that said, isnt this thread in the wrong forum?