forum and private message protocol

[kayak4ever]

I am very new to both using forums, GBPVR and computer programming in general. I read sub's comment on how to better describe a problem that you want help with but I still feel awkward in posting comments in an appropriate manner.

For example, when would you post a question as a private message to the author and when would you post in the forum?

I really appreciate all the work that sub does to improve the program and that all of you do to improve the plugins and answer questions that may seem very obvious to you. However, if I post a thank you for each piece of help, it might actually be more burdensome to the forum in general by cluttering it up. Do you, the programmers, feel appreciated even if you don't get a posted thank you? Would a private post thank you be more or less appreciated than a posted forum thank you?

I would also like to know when I should "quote" the comment I am referring to in my post and when it is not necessary. I thought I had it figured out; quote when the person you are replying to only when it is not the last post made but then when I used the search feature to find posts, I was confused as to whether it was or wasn't the last post.

How much information about my system should I provide when asking questions or is it specific to the problem?

I have seen problems where the person was asked to add a zipped file of somesort to solve the problem. This seems like an intimidating task to me since I have never created a zip file before. After you open the winzip program, find the file asked for, what do you do? I assume it depends on the nature of the problem as to whether it is needed or not.

Finally, I would like to help with tasks in anyway I can but I don't have enough knowledge to develop anything or even test for bugs (since the problem could just as easily be me). If anything comes up where someone needs a non-compuer-geek type person to do something, please ask me.

And a big thank you to everyone who has helped me with my questions so far!

[dgeezer]

I think most questions should be posted in the forums since then they are searchable by other users. I've learned far more from reading questions and answers here rather than from asking questions.

I've been hanging out here for almost two years but since almost everything I know about pvrs I learned here I rarely have a new answer for anyones problems.

[Fatman_do]

For example, when would you post a question as a private message to the author and when would you post in the forum?

Almost never private message sub or other plugin developers when it comes to support issues. Posting them in the forums provides a resource other may find usefull when they search the forums for similar problems. Also, many here are capable to help out when sub is, on occasion, actually sleeping.

I really appreciate all the work that sub does to improve the program and that all of you do to improve the plugins and answer questions that may seem very obvious to you. However, if I post a thank you for each piece of help, it might actually be more burdensome to the forum in general by cluttering it up. Do you, the programmers, feel appreciated even if you don't get a posted thank you? Would a private post thank you be more or less appreciated than a posted forum thank you?

It is proper to publicly thank who ever provides help. It never hurts at least. Simple things like that help motivate.

I would also like to know when I should "quote" the comment I am referring to in my post and when it is not necessary. I thought I had it figured out; quote when the person you are replying to only when it is not the last post made but then when I used the search feature to find posts, I was confused as to whether it was or wasn't the last post.

It doesn't hurt to quote (cutting out extra parts that are not relevant).

How much information about my system should I provide when asking questions or is it specific to the problem?

Many put there system specs in their signature. System specs really are only needed if there is some kind of performance issues.

I have seen problems where the person was asked to add a zipped file of somesort to solve the problem. This seems like an intimidating task to me since I have never created a zip file before. After you open the winzip program, find the file asked for, what do you do? I assume it depends on the nature of the problem as to whether it is needed or not.

The easiest way to do this is with the logzip plugin.
Always reproduce a problem, then zip the logs (or use that plugin). There is no program needed to zip the files (you can right-click on a file and "send to-compressed folder", that will create a zip file also.) Usually logs are needed for support issues, so it never hurts to attach them. Of course you do need them for "How do I do this..." type of questions.

You already are helping out by participating, thanks.

[Fatman_do]

I would also say the Private Messaging is generally for "Chit-Chatting" between users or communicating with others in areas that might not be suited for public viewing.

[Jeff]

It is also good for cases where the intended reader of a post (e.g. a plug-in or skin author) hasn't responded in a while. They may well have missed the initial post and a polite private message is sure to reach them. People use them in this way with me and I think it is fine.

Jeff

[kayak4ever]

Thank you all. That clears up a lot!