Received an email from a guy asking me some weird questions about wp blog themes and it was only after 3 exchanges that I realized I, or rather he, was barking up the wrong tree. He is using a Joomla template, something which is totally alien to me. I do not know if it was me or him who was more embarrassed over the matter. Maybe I should add a statement in my Contact Page that I can only offer advise on wp blog themes.
When You Ask, It Means You Do Not Know.
Not knowing is not a crime so it not something to be ashamed of. Till today and at my age, I am still asking around as there are so many things that I do not know. I have no qualms or shame asking from people less than half my age for they know more than me, especially when it comes to codes and programming language concerning WordPress and WordPress Themes. Sometimes it is easier and faster to ask directly than to spend hours searching for it in the Net.
When I ask a question, I make it clear that I DO NOT KNOW and that is why I am asking. When someone knows your level of knowledge concerning the questions that you are asking, they will know how to explain things in a more detailed and easy to understand way.
What I get sometimes are questions from people who give me a feeling that they are afraid to show their ignorance. They try to make their questions “smart” like as though they are already very knowledgeable. For the sake of my arthritis stricken ankle, please give me a break. You do not know and that is why you are asking. Trying to ask smart aleck questions only makes you look even more foolish and dumb. Just ask simply and let the guy understand that you are a layman to the topic of the questions you are asking.
Be a little polite, please
I am not petty or a snob. I do not need to be addressed as Mr So and So when you want to ask me something. Just start your message with the usual “Hi ….” I really do not mind. However, not that I take much offence, starting your message with, “Hey dude,” sounds downright rude to me.
Maybe I have a different upbringing or maybe my culture is different, but calling some one ‘dude’ simply don’t sound right when you are writing to someone for the first time. It is okay after you have be-befriended the guy. You can thank him for the answers by saying, “Thanks dude” It sounds passionate for friends.
Always acknowledge with a reply
Sometimes, I too am stumped by the questions being asked and in trying to help, I have to do some experiments of my own to give the correct answers. It could take me a couple of hours before I dare reply with the answers. After giving you the solutions to your questions in such good faith, would I be asking too much if you just acknowledge my reply?
Many a times, I do not even know if you got my reply or if my answers have solved your problem. You don’t even have to thank me. Just a note would be enough.
Do not take things for granted
When you ask for a favor, please realize that it is the prerogative of the guy you are asking whether to grant or deny you the favor. He can choose to ignore you totally or send your email to his thrash bin. He can also be good enough to reply and say he can’t help. He is in no way obligated to help so do not take him for granted.
Thank him even of he does not want to help.
In event that he has turned down your request, be a gentleman and thank him at least for his time in opening and reading your email. And finally,
When asking from this blog, please stick to questions about WP blog themes only. I really do not know anything about Joomla, Moveable Type or whatever other than WordPress Themes. Even that, I am still at the learning stage.
