Some thoughts from a new user...

I tend to search for answers before asking and for years have found the answer I needed and never created an account. About a month ago I was struggling with a particularly ugly problem and happened to find the perfect detailed answer. I wanted to upvote the answer, but was informed I needed an account. So I created an account and then found out I needed 15 rep points. Tried to leave a comment - needed 50 rep points.

So I've kept it in the back of my mind to eventually go back once I have points. I looked into getting points by answering questions, but any that I know the answer to are either already answered or dross - or both.

Then I figured I'd just ask questions as they came up, but yet again, the answer is usually found as I'm writing up the question. I had one good one - but then realized it was better in the software's forum. Finally, just yesterday I had my first question - and it's more of a "given my unique setup that eliminates these obvious options, what do you suggest?" Which feels vaguely off topic. It hasn't been downvoted and I have some great suggestions now...but doesn't seem particularly useful to others.

I guess my point is that it's HARD to enter this community. I understand why, the idiotic questions are painful to read and the only appropriate response is "learn how to program". However, the current setup also precludes new members joining. I'm not a guru by any stretch, so my ability to answer good questions is limited. And given I follow the general rule of "research first", most of my questions are answered without needing to ask.

So, I'm left with a piddly reputation that allows for nothing. Understandable - but annoying none the same. Ah - but I CAN bug you with every droll question that pops into my head and also answer these stupid questions. THAT will get me rep easily and quickly.

You see the problem?

This was linked from another forums site - perhaps including it...somewhere...might help? http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Some thoughts from a new user...

I tend to search for answers before asking and for years have found the answer I needed and never created an account. About a month ago I was struggling with a particularly ugly problem and happened to find the perfect detailed answer. I wanted to upvote the answer, but was informed I needed an account. So I created an account and then found out I needed 15 rep points. Tried to leave a comment - needed 50 rep points.

So I've kept it in the back of my mind to eventually go back once I have points. I looked into getting points by answering questions, but any that I know the answer to are either already answered or dross - or both.

Then I figured I'd just ask questions as they came up, but yet again, the answer is usually found as I'm writing up the question. I had one good one - but then realized it was better in the software's forum. Finally, just yesterday I had my first question - and it's more of a "given my unique setup that eliminates these obvious options, what do you suggest?" Which feels vaguely off topic. It hasn't been downvoted and I have some great suggestions now...but doesn't seem particularly useful to others.

I guess my point is that it's HARD to enter this community. I understand why, the idiotic questions are painful to read and the only appropriate response is "learn how to program". However, the current setup also precludes new members joining. I'm not a guru by any stretch, so my ability to answer good questions is limited. And given I follow the general rule of "research first", most of my questions are answered without needing to ask.

So, I'm left with a piddly reputation that allows for nothing. Understandable - but annoying none the same. Ah - but I CAN bug you with every droll question that pops into my head and also answer these stupid questions. THAT will get me rep easily and quickly.

You see the problem? It's extremely hard for a somewhat legit person to enter the site...but relatively easy for others willing to lower themselves to asking and answering stupid questions.

Not offering a solution - just an observation.

This was linked from another forums site - perhaps including it...somewhere...might help? http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html