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Suggestions to people asking Questions 11

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fluteplr

fluteplr

Programmer
Oct 23, 2000
1,599
US
1. Include what version of SQL Server you are using.

2. If you are asking a question related to a sql statement, please include relevant table layouts, relational information and sample data.

3. If you are asking a question about an error you are receiving, please report the exact error message. Telling us you are getting an error, is unlikely to result in a useful response.

4. Newbies, beginners, etc. please make at least a cursory (no pun intended), to look in SQL Books Online. I have been using SQL Server for over 5 years and probably refer to it at least once a day. It's not that we don't want to answer your questions but some effort on your part will result in greater efforts on our (or at least my) part.

 
5. Same as #4.

6. Same as #4.

7. Use a descriptive subject. Many of us will skip over reading the post if the subject doesn't indicate the question.

Examples of bad subjects headings:

Does anybody know...
Urgent help needed!
Error message
Basic question

Examples of good subject headings:

Copy DTS job to another computer
Output of one SP usable by another?
How to determine build version

Robert Bradley
Coming Soon:
 
Robert, nice to know I was not the only one who felt this way. After I posted this I was wondering if I was just feeling grouchy this morning.

fluteplr
Jacob Bruner
 
In addition to #2... Please provide sample result (desired result) of your sql statement.


Andel
andelbarroga@hotmail.com
 
Well, Jacob, maybe you were grouchy this morning, but it doesn't diminish what you said.

Unfortunately, very few people will be reading this thread, so it'll probably amount to little more than venting. Robert Bradley
teaser.jpg

 
Thanks, Terry, for bringing this back to the top of the list. Maybe we should make a habit of posting to this thread once a month so we're all reminded of what makes a good original post. Robert Bradley
teaser.jpg

 
and if the questioner is able to solve the problem...would it be possible to post the solutions as well? That way, all questions would have the solutions.

Just my 1 cents worth.

Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,
Quing
 
Please acknowledge answers that help. Sometimes an answer is given but the questioner never replies in any way. It is hard to know if the problem was solved or if the questioner just hasn't seen the answer yet. Terry
 
Hi,

You guys are right, and I've been guilty--just recently. I couldn't remember how to do something extremely simple; I was thinking of more complex issues and the solution escaped me.
I'm not a beginner or newbie, I was just having one of those moments. Sorry.

I usually try to solve the problem myself, then I search the BOL,KB,Web or ask a co-worker first. I haven't given thanks yet, I just clicked on the button 'Let X know this post was helpful'. Anyway, that's my two cents.



 
As one who asks more of this forum than I contribute, let me first say that I agree whole heartedly with everything stated in this thread. And, more importantly, thank all who take their time to help those of us "on our way up" in the SQL world.

Roy



 
As a newbie I also thank those taking the time to answer.. I would love to look things up on the on-line books.. But, could someone send me a thread as to some great on-line books.. (I am also a newbie with the internet in my work environment)..

I plan on taking some courses soon in SQL & hope to soon be a helper instead of a helpee.. But, until than thanks for any help you can give, and once I have that thread for on-line book resources.. I promise to go there first..
Wenda
 
When we refer to SQL Books Online (BOL), we mean the electronic books that came with SQL Server. They can be loaded onto your harddrive as part of the SQL Server or client tools setup.

If you can't find them, SQL 7.0 BOL can be downloaded from Microsoft web site at

You can view SQL 2000 BOL at
Terry
 
A star for you Terry; I didn't realize the BOL was offered for download; that should help a lot of folks, especially those using MSDE.

And just so folks don't get the wrong idea: no question is too basic for this forum. The only thing we're saying is spend 3 minutes trying to find the answer yourself, and if you can't, come on by (but proofread your question first and double check that you've included the relavent information).

Also, every Tek-Tips forum I've been in gives a lot of credit to those who post questions and for whom English is a foreign language, so don't be embarrassed to try. Robert Bradley
teaser.jpg

 
=> All

Accepting and admiring your tips, since many people may answer a question in a thread or reply one of the answers, as a new member , I suggest that anybody who's going to reply , points to the "main" receiver's name. Like What I did in this post or something! That way we'll know who talks to who :)

Sepahram
 
I wanted to bring this thread to the top so that everyone asking a question reads it (number of start should catch everyone's eye).

We have had too many questions in the past 3 weeks asking for help with posting code and/or sample data/expected output.

Our sincere request to anyone posting questions is to explain your problem with code/data to help answer questions efficiently.

Regards,
AA
 
Well, I completely agree with this thread. I am a newbie (well three months old) in SQL. This is a wonderful forum with some real bright people who help day in and day out newbies like us to overcome the problem.

Mostof the time i do my home work before posting a thread but you know with newbies never feel comfortable making a decision and wants some expert advise. But even before posting i check old threads relevant to my problem.

This way we would not post a thread which was answered a minute ago.

Thank you all guys for helping us.

Dwight
 
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