M. Adam Davis wrote:
> I don't see a downside to requiring that responses be in the form of
> an answer (rather than a reference to the answer - include a reference
> if one exists, but at least give the answer first).

There are several.

First, it can take more work to look up the answer than to simply refer to
something you know contains the answer.  Sometimes you have the time and
inclination, sometimes not.

Second, we don't need more rules.  Somebody then has to monitor for
compliance, there will always be gray areas of in or out, and disagreements
about what is or isn't a infraction.  Then there is the question of what to
do about it when there is a infraction.  It sounds like a lot of trouble.

Third, everytime you try to legislate discourse, you inevitably stifle some
of it you don't intend.  The more people have to look over their shoulders,
the less they will contribute.  And experience shows it's exactly the people
you want contributing that will say to themselves "screw this" first.

Fourth, a reference *is* a answer.  Just knowing the information is out
there is better than wondering if it is at all.  Knowing roughly where is
even better.  Just because it's not the desired answer on a silver platter
doesn't mean it can't still be useful.

>  D) Contributions to the list should add to the total group knowledge,
> ability and skill.  Answers consisting of "RTFM" add nothing.

I disagree.  There is considerable information content in RTFM if you listen
right.  It tells you:

1 - The answer *is* out there.  That alone can be a big help.

2 - The answer is in the obvious place to look, or at least where that
person thinks the obvious place is.  This greatly narrows things down.  It's
not likely hidden in some obscure corner of a seemingly unrelated datasheet.
Go to the obvious manual and look in the index or table of contents.  It's
probably one of the first places you will look once you try.

3 - The respondent thinks the answer is so easy to find in the obvious place
that you are being lazy.  You may disagree, but it's still important to
understand he thinks so and that you are perceived as lazy.  You may get
answers handed to you by others anyway, but there's a real chance you are
being perceived as a lazy moron by more people than the one who told you to
RTFM, and this will probably increase if you persist.  You should seriously
think of doing a bit more homework before asking the next question, or be
more clear about your level if you're really overwhelmed and don't know
where to begin.  You may not like this message, but it is useful
nonetheless.

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