For all of the new users out there, I wanted to issue a brief statement about when it's appropriate to PM a wiseman or moderator for help. We're often busy contributing in as many threads as possible so please understand that our time can be limited. You should always go through the following steps:
1. Use the search function correctly: I've written an FAQ thread regarding methods to make your searches yield better results:
More Productive Searches
2. Post a new thread and be patient: The volume of new threads generated on a daily basis can be rather large and it takes time for us and more experienced members to go through all of them and offer help. Don't expect answers within a few minutes although if one of us is lurking around and we see something in our scope of knowledge, we'll generall jump on it quickly.
3. If your thread has gone unanswered for a day and you still can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to drop one of us a line. With respect to etiquette, please observe the following rules.
A. State your question clearly and concisely. Using web speak turns us off.
B. Mention anything you've done to try and fix the problem.
C. Be polite: We have names and we liked to be called by them. Don't call us "hey".
D. Understand that all of us have different levels of competence and that being a wiseman or mod doesn't mean that we know everything.
If we can't answer your question, we'll generally link to your thread and PM someone from the wiseman/moderating team who has more intimate knowledge of your issue than we do.
If you have an emergency, by all means drop us a line and we'll do our best to get back to you.
More than anything else, please keep in mind that we do what we do because we're passionate about DSM's and the success of this site. We share knowledge freely because we want to help. Be considerate of our time and we'll do our best to help you in any way possible.
Thanks in advance,
Andy
