On Mon, Mar 18, 2002 at 06:45:55AM -0500, Jim Martin wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> Just wanted to know where the rank beginners go to get questions answered.

Right here with a couple of caveats. See below.

>  I realize that most everyone here is light years beyond me,
> but I have posted a couple of simple questions and no one has replied.

Sorry you didn't get a response. I didn't answer because I don't use PICALL.

>
> Is there another list that is meant for those of us just starting the PIC
> adventure?

Well truth be told it probably wouldn't be as useful a resource as the list
here, with its rich mixture of levels of experience.

As I said, this is the place. Here are the caveats:

1) Search engines and the PICLIST archive are invaluable tools. Often a
question that new to you isn't new at all to the list. This link talks about
all the archives:

http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist/listfaq.htm#archives

2) Be specific with your questions. Forming them generally in the order of:

I'm trying to do X. I tried Y. It didn't meet my expectation. What specific
thing Z do I need to do?

I noticed that your PICALL question is right on the mark.

3) Have some patience. Some list members in the past have treated the list
like paid tech support and got miffed when constructive criticism was directed
to them. We're all in this together as volunteers.

The resource I like to direct new users to direct them to the document
"How to Ask Questions the Smart Way" written by Eric Raymond. You can find it
here:

http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Of course I find no fault with any of your questions so far, and I certainly
hope that we can help you in the future.

BAJ

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