![]() |
MS-DEFCON 2:
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it.
|
-
Assumptions made before help offered
Posted on Comment on the AskWoody LoungeHome › Forums › Outside the box › Rants › Assumptions made before help offered
- This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 2 months ago.
Viewing 5 reply threads-
AuthorPosts
-
-
November 7, 2019 at 11:45 am #2001071
anonymous
GuestThose who attempt to help those in need with misunderstood jargon, referral to esoteric old posts and snide comments about “I told you to…” or “If you had ….” are no help at all; even if the information given is correct. Ignoring apologies for ignorance and adding sideways insults negate any knowledge you are trying to impart. Think before you look down your nose on those who don’t know everything as you believe you do!
That said, those who have the enormous patience required to help those who don’t follow every change in technology (esp microsoft update c**p) are truly wonderful folks. Thank you!
4 users thanked author for this post.
-
November 7, 2019 at 4:06 pm #2001167
SueW
AskWoody PlusOn the other hand, there of those in need who will not take the time to either use the “Search The Lounge” box or read a particular thread in order to help themselves. Perhaps it’s because some folks want instant gratification instead of taking some of their own time to do some searching/reading.
And for those volunteers who answer the same question(s) over and over again, I can understand their frustration of having to answer the same question(s) over and over again.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about those with enormous patience!
Win 7 SP1 Home Premium 64-bit; Office 2010; Group B (SaS); Former 'Tech Weenie'6 users thanked author for this post.
-
November 9, 2019 at 9:13 pm #2002469
MrJimPhelps
AskWoody_MVPIt truly works both ways. I’ve been doing tech support for most of my adult life, and I have been shocked at the arrogant and impatient attitude exhibited by some of my coworkers over the years. Conversely, I have had to deal with users who have thought that they knew everything and I knew nothing, and they refused to try some steps that I suggested or answer some questions that I asked. Two such users come to mind.
One of the users needed to set up security questions on her account, so that she could remotely change her password. We had recently implemented this functionality, and the system was nibbling away at a few additional users every month — each month, more and more users would begin to get locked out, with no way to reset their password till they set up their security questions. I feared that she had gotten caught in that, so I advised her to set up her security questions, but she refused, acting like I was crazy for even asking her to do that. Every few months after that I would check her account for “nostalgia” reasons (kind of like a walk down memory lane), and a year and more later she still had not set up her security questions! I never spoke with her after that call, so I have no idea what ended up happening with her network account.
The other user knew everything, and I knew nothing. She talked down to me the entire call. As I recall, I don’t believe she ever got her issue addressed, because she refused to let me help her.
99.9% of the users I dealt with were very grateful for the time and effort I put into helping them and the patience I had with them. Thankfully, callers like the two I described above were extremely rare.
Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM1 user thanked author for this post.
-
-
November 7, 2019 at 7:28 pm #2001239
OscarCP
AskWoody PlusThis site is not perfectly moderated, but “perfect” is not a reasonable expectation to have of anything that humans do. This begs the question: just how imperfect? For example: I have had (as have others), and complained about, comments being, occasionally, edited or even deleted without explanation or any obvious (to the commenter) need. I have, now and then, received some questions answered too briefly and not covering the whole of what was being asked. But I never have come across a disrespectful or a patronizing answer (at least to those of us that do not take offense very easily). Or read such an answer directed to someone else. In consequence, I have my doubts that these are usual, frequent, or even real. This, of course, should not be confused with some MVP sternly admonishing those that do something silly, irresponsible and possibly dangerous, such as (in recent memory) posting a link to a “dark Internet” site (*). I am entirely OK with anything like that being declared “not OK” in no uncertain, but always measured, terms. Luckily, this rarely happens.
(*) Much in the “dark Internet” is quite alright and it’s there only because its origin needs to be kept under wraps, as in the case of some anonymous whistle blowers’ disclosures made in the public interest. But much else there is either unreliable or outright misinformation, or covert criminal activity, or might convey malware.
Windows 7 Professional, SP1, x64 Group W (ex B) & macOS Mojave + Linux (Mint)
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
November 9, 2019 at 9:24 pm #2002470
MrJimPhelps
AskWoody_MVPKeep in mind that almost no one is paid here at AskWoody. The only people who receive any financial compensation are the developers, Woody, and the handful of columnists who post articles in the AskWoody newsletter. I’m guessing that Woody doesn’t put much in his pocket; he may break even, but I’m not sure about that.
There are moderators and administrators who put in long hours, working tirelessly to keep AskWoody a civil place, and who keep bots and hackers off the site. None of them receive any financial compensation.
There are also lots of people who spend time researching questions asked and who give helpful answers to peoples’ questions. None of them receive any financial compensation.
I was in the moderators group at one time, but I never had time to devote to it. I wish I had, because I would have learned an awful lot of really cool stuff and would have been mentored by the very best in the business.
Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 8.1 running in a VM
-
-
November 8, 2019 at 7:05 pm #2001980
DriftyDonN
AskWoody PlusBut I never have come across a disrespectful or a patronizing answer (at least to those of us that do not take offense very easily). Or read such an answer directed to someone else. In consequence, I have my doubts that these are usual, frequent, or even real.
I would very much like to find this nirvana. The interweb I have traversed while seeking help since the advent of the public “www” is much more nasty and REAL. Sad to say.
I hope you are never exposed to the dark, snarky trolls who hide out there, and have your doubts proven wrong. Really do.
I have also met some most wonderful caring folks ever, the world over!
respectfully,
D
-
This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
DriftyDonN.
-
November 8, 2019 at 9:40 pm #2002039
OscarCP
AskWoody PlusDriftyDonN: You are quite right about the general situation on the Web, but I was referring to my own particular experience in this particular site: askwoody.com . And only in this site. I thought this was clear enough and in need of no further explanation. But, as you seemed to have missed my point, that is what I just have written here, putting it in black on white. A ‘Nirvana’, you say? Well, not really: just better than average.
Windows 7 Professional, SP1, x64 Group W (ex B) & macOS Mojave + Linux (Mint)
-
This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
-
November 9, 2019 at 2:51 am #2002111
-
November 9, 2019 at 4:59 pm #2002397
DriftyDonN
AskWoody PlusRereading the first post,I think the intent was a general statement, not targeting this site. My reply was painted with a broad brush, covering many years of personal experience, certainly not aimed at any site in particular. Seems this ‘Rant’ is going off the rails a bit. BTW, OscarCP you’re right..I DID think you were speaking in general terms. I responded I guess because you said you didn’t think rude, obnoxious replies were ‘real’ and in my experience, they are all too real and common. So, it’s a case of misunderstood intent it seems.
I have seen MANY of your posts that are nothing but respectful, helpful and a remarkable example of the help that IS out there! Thank you!
-
-
AuthorPosts
Viewing 5 reply threads -
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments. Click here for details and to sign up.
Search The Lounge
Recent Replies
Paul T on Computer running slowly when using Wi-Fi since last Windows update
1 minute agoPaul T on Can’t add, or remove, any bluetooth device
8 minutes agoPaul T on MS-DEFCON 2 – Get ready for January updates
12 minutes agoanonymous on Standalone installer script for Windows 7 ESU, regardless the license
44 minutes agoRick Corbett on User Feed Synchronization – Disable/Delete Task?
1 hour, 13 minutes agoOscarCP on Is this the best science fiction show ever?
2 hours, 7 minutes agoanonymous on Websites that still require Flash after EOL
4 hours, 16 minutes agoSusan Bradley on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
4 hours, 16 minutes agoanonymous on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
4 hours, 18 minutes agoTex265 on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
4 hours, 47 minutes agogeekdom on MS-DEFCON 2 – Get ready for January updates
5 hours, 47 minutes agobuckwheat on MS-DEFCON 2 – Get ready for January updates
6 hours, 15 minutes agoBob99 on Can’t add, or remove, any bluetooth device
7 hours, 16 minutes agoDonald Crossman on Can’t add, or remove, any bluetooth device
7 hours, 25 minutes agoBob99 on Computer running slowly when using Wi-Fi since last Windows update
7 hours, 35 minutes agoBundaburra on Computer running slowly when using Wi-Fi since last Windows update
8 hours, 10 minutes agoBob99 on Can’t add, or remove, any bluetooth device
8 hours, 19 minutes agoanonymous on So I opened up an HP and where’s the hard drive?
8 hours, 49 minutes agoanonymous on Orange screen, white stripes, not using Bitlocker
8 hours, 49 minutes agoOscarCP on What Linux is and why it has persisted
8 hours, 56 minutes agoPKCano on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
8 hours, 57 minutes agolikescats on Files don’t copy from Win7 HDD to Win10 computer
9 hours, 5 minutes agoOscarCP on Do we need Java?
9 hours, 10 minutes agoTex265 on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
9 hours, 25 minutes agoOscarCP on Apple News Wrap Up: January 23, 2020
9 hours, 29 minutes agoWCHS on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
10 hours, 20 minutes agomn-- on So I opened up an HP and where’s the hard drive?
10 hours, 23 minutes agoPKCano on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
10 hours, 24 minutes agoTex265 on Comments on AKB 2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10
10 hours, 28 minutes agoOscarCP on Google threatens to remove search engine from Australia
10 hours, 31 minutes ago
Recent Topics
-
Sorting alphanumeric text
4 hours, 12 minutes ago
-
Potential for iPhone 12 and MagSafe to Interfere With Medical Devices
12 hours, 11 minutes ago
-
Computer running slowly when using Wi-Fi since last Windows update
1 minute ago
-
Websites that still require Flash after EOL
4 hours, 16 minutes ago
-
WinSlap 1.4 (Windows 10 Privacy tool) Portable
10 hours, 40 minutes ago
-
Using USB flash drive for both windows and on a Chromebook
16 hours, 53 minutes ago
-
Chrome browser stopped playing video
11 hours, 48 minutes ago
-
The Classic Browser v6.3
21 hours, 9 minutes ago
-
Apple News Wrap Up: January 23, 2020
9 hours, 30 minutes ago
-
Tasks for the Weekend – January 23, 2021
20 hours, 7 minutes ago
-
Need inexpensive domain
23 hours, 25 minutes ago
-
Outlook 2019 send and receive
23 hours, 9 minutes ago
-
Can’t add, or remove, any bluetooth device
8 minutes ago
-
Customize the mouse w10 2004–19041.746
1 day, 11 hours ago
-
Can’t install any programs since Win 2004 update
13 hours, 40 minutes ago
-
SFC errors not repairable, upgrade to 2004?
1 day, 7 hours ago
-
Slow file copy
1 day, 11 hours ago
-
Do we need Java?
9 hours, 10 minutes ago
-
Windows 10 version changes
1 day, 10 hours ago
-
Lost Post
1 day, 16 hours ago
-
Hasta la vista, TeamViewer Free
1 day, 7 hours ago
-
Files don’t copy from Win7 HDD to Win10 computer
9 hours, 5 minutes ago
-
Does the HP Spectre Notebook (2016 model) have a removable wireless LAN Card?
2 days, 1 hour ago
-
Windows 10 2004 and Intel Ethernet Problem Solving
1 day, 12 hours ago
-
KB4023057 while on Win10-2004
1 day, 13 hours ago
-
MS Shared Experience warning
2 days, 7 hours ago
-
Google threatens to remove search engine from Australia
10 hours, 31 minutes ago
-
macOS Catalina running on iPad Pro 2020
1 day ago
-
How to check if someone else accessed your Google account
2 days, 22 hours ago
-
This should be the best patching experience
23 hours, 17 minutes ago
Search for Topics
Recent blog posts
- Tasks for the Weekend – January 23, 2021
- Slow file copy
- This should be the best patching experience
- So I opened up an HP and where’s the hard drive?
- What Linux is and why it has persisted
- Find the cable modem that’s just right for your ISP
- Four GB of RAM vanishes … but then reappears
- Wow! Even more Office updates!
Key Links
Copyright © 2004 – 2021 AskWoody Tech LLC. All rights reserved.