Re: Learning how to answer

[Popcorn Dave]

I've only been using Perl for about a year or so, so I do a lot more reading of posts than answering. That said, when I answer a question I do one of two things depending on the original post.

If it's something along the lines of "How do I do this?," and the poster appears to be asking about a homework type of question, I tend to give a more generalized answer. I also apply this when there's a question without source code of some type to show where the poster thinks they're having the problem.

The other way is to provide some code to help. Generally if the poster does provide code, and I feel that it's within my reach to offer a suggestion, then I will.

As far as the reputation of the node, personally, if I'm looking for information, I'm not so much worried about the node's rep as the information contained therein. As others have said, some nodes only gain reputation when someone needs that information, and it could be a day or a month later.

The thing to really remember here, is that we're a community. We're here to help each other expand our horizions within Perl. To stretch our limits and push our envelopes with the language. But in the end it all comes down to sharing our experience with those who ask for help in the hope that they will do the same and others will benefit down the road.

There is no emoticon for what I'm feeling now.