Getting help in #linux

It's really pretty easy to get help in #Linux. However, few people seem to have any clue about how to be polite about it.

For one thing, ask your real question. ``Does anyone know how to get a directory listing?'' has a proper answer of ``yes,'' since people do in fact know how to get a directory listing. You can ask worse questions - an example might be ``Can I ask if anyone knows how to get a directory listing?'' - but you really have to try. Don't try. Ask your question, which in this case would be: ``How do I get a directory listing?'' Sit back. Relax. If your question is stupid, prepare to be informed so. You'll live, and that also gives you an idea of where the bar is for Linux competency. If you don't want to take my word for it (and why should you), this might be a good read for you.

#Linux tends to prefer no answer over an incorrect one. If you ask your question well, and you don't get an answer, you aren't going to get a set of raised hands saying, ``I know,'' or ``I don't.'' If someone knows the answer, you'll get it. Otherwise, assume no-one knows the answer or no-one who does is present. There's also the possibility that someone knows and simply isn't in the mood. Get over it. We're all volunteers.