I was reading some responses when people ask very simple questions. How about this idea, answer the question as simple as possible. No need to discuss the how and the why, many people just need some help; not the complete biography, of the how and why.
Go Simple or Go Home !
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@ThatGuy posted:I was reading some responses when people ask very simple questions. How about this idea, answer the question as simple as possible. No need to discuss the how and the why, many people just need some help; not the complete biography, of the how and why.
Go Simple or Go Home !
There is a reason for that, the answers may not be so simple. Something like for example whether to use fast track or gargraves ot whatnot is not an easy answer. When trouble shooting, it may not be so easy either, people give background so people reading it can understand the thinking behind the response. There have been long threads on here about dealing with rust on tracks and there are many ways to try and deal with it. Simple solutions aren't always so simple.
"For any problem in this world, there is a simple solution, straightforward and obvious....and dead wrong" H.L Mencken.
@bigkid posted:There is a reason for that, the answers may not be so simple. Something like for example whether to use fast track or gargraves ot whatnot is not an easy answer. When trouble shooting, it may not be so easy either, people give background so people reading it can understand the thinking behind the response. There have been long threads on here about dealing with rust on tracks and there are many ways to try and deal with it. Simple solutions aren't always so simple.
"For any problem in this world, there is a simple solution, straightforward and obvious....and dead wrong" H.L Mencken.
Please most questions you must read, not assume. There are so many simple questions asked and just like your reply, go on and on why and how.
here is a good example : I want to use track around my tree what should I use, very simple tubular is good fast track better. What ever you like the look of should work fine.
As my father would say to your answer, “ we are not building Apollo or going to the moon, this is not the Luna Lem, it’s a train set”.
I’ve seen this pattern as well. Simple questions turn into complicated discussions even when it is totally unnecessary.
Especially this time of year I think it would be wise to keep the answers simple when dealing with simple questions and only expand when required.
I have come to understand that folks that come to this site new to the hobby know very little about toy trains. Unlike 50-60 years ago or 70 in my case when the only solution was to get the tools and figure it out, today this and other sites are available and one can just ask.
Likewise, there people on this site who have a great understanding of toy trains and enjoy helping others with their problems. Sometimes it is interesting reading and sometimes I move to the next topic. That option is open to everyone. Don't assume because you may know a lot that everyone does.
Many questions posted on this Forum are not susceptible to simple answers.
For instance, one of the more frequent questions posted is along the lines of, "What transformer should I buy for my (pick size) layout ? " Unfortunately, that depends on a variety of factors that typically preclude a simple answer.
In addition, many questions assume that there is only one way of doing things, such as,"What brand of suitcase connector should I get for my bus wire ? " The poster may not realize that there are other options out there besides using suitcase connectors that may better fit his or her needs and so the answer could reasonably explain those options/alternatives to the poster.
Although there may be times when the answers to a question go on ad nauseum, IMHO we should err on the side of providing too much, rather than too little, information.
Sorry for the long response. 
@Richie C. posted:Although there may be times when the answers to a question go on ad nauseum, IMHO we should err on the side of providing too much, rather than too little, information.
Sorry for the long response.
I can't agree. Too much detail will easily spin the head of a newbie and scare them away.
They need to know a little of the "how" of things, and one level of the the "why" of things, but not multiple levels of or technical details or history -- unless of course they specifically ask for it.
It's a good thing that there are many of us on this forum that would like to know all the details, and the newbies' questions are frequently thought starters leading to these details. But it's a bad thing if we jump right into the details without first answering their questions simply, accurately, and precisely.
Find the root cause of their problem quickly, suggest a solution that is as simple as possible, also quickly, and then lead us to the finer details that so many of are interested in hearing and discussing, but only after that.
Mike
A topic near and dear to me. About a week ago I sent a note to the publisher suggesting we have a section called "commonly asked questions for newbies" or something like that. Especially focusing on topics that seem to appear every few months like: "what thickness should my table top be?" or "brand soldering iron should I buy?" or "what's the difference between O and 027 track?", and the like. Each could then have a simple answer without lengthy discussions about the type of roadbed on top of plywood or soldering wire to a piece of track versus soldering sheet brass. At the end it would then refer the user to the Forum's search function or to Google on their computer. I would also suggest for electrical questions which by the nature of today's trains can be complicated they should simply say "See Forum's Search Function". I was told that such a thing could make the Forum less than user friendly to newbies. So much for that idea.
@Richie C. posted:Many questions posted on this Forum are not susceptible to simple answers.
For instance, one of the more frequent questions posted is along the lines of, "What transformer should I buy for my (pick size) layout ? " Unfortunately, that depends on a variety of factors that typically preclude a simple answer.
In addition, many questions assume that there is only one way of doing things, such as,"What brand of suitcase connector should I get for my bus wire ? " The poster may not realize that there are other options out there besides using suitcase connectors that may better fit his or her needs and so the answer could reasonably explain those options/alternatives to the poster.
Although there may be times when the answers to a question go on ad nauseum, IMHO we should err on the side of providing too much, rather than too little, information.
Sorry for the long response.
A transformer question is an easy one since most people will give you an idea, that said a simple follow up question is best; not the usual at Nausea answer that follows.
Go Simple or Go Home
@ThatGuy posted:A transformer question is an easy one since most people will give you an idea, that said a simple follow up question is best; not the usual at Nausea answer that follows.
Go Simple or Go Home
There is no forum rule that says you have to read a long answer.
I also agree that too many times the answers to questions posted here get WAY too complicated. As an example...
"What size wire should I use on the main power buss under my layout?"
Answer: 14 gauge. Done.
Typical forum answer will involve...
None of that matters.
Just tell someone to use 14 gauge and they have all the bases covered, no matter what the size of the layout or what they like to run.
A corollary to this topic is the frustrating activity of attempting to help a person with a technical question, and, in doing so, taking a significant amount of reflection and dissecting the problem, and then, asking in return, the OP to answer a few questions before the helper can render an opinion.
I have many times asked an OP to answer 4 or 5 simple step-by-step questions, much like a verbal flow chart, to get the OP to understand, before any advice is given, what the problem really is. Many times, the OP will answer one or two questions, and answer a few that weren't even asked. It's like pulling teeth, but we soldier on, because it's the right thing to do.
Many questions are not answered simply. There are variables, misconceptions, and misunderstood assumptions. (Bad spelling, bad grammar and colloquialisms don't help, either.) Simply to answer and go on with one's life is not in the best interest of the OP. He needs to see the big picture, broken down into little pictures, and then be presented with the opportunity to have his own "AHA!" moment.
Take, as an example, the well-meaning members who admit that they little or nothing about electricity but want to know how to install or repair a toy that has two words: ELECTRIC and TRAINS.
To answer in a way that elevates the OP's future chances of self-made success, a little of the old Socratic method is necessary. If you don't know who Socrates was, now's the chance to Google and elevate.
(BTW, 14 gauge is the correct answer to everything.)
@Arthur P. Bloom posted:A corollary to this topic is the frustrating activity of attempting to help a person with a technical question, and, in doing so, taking a significant amount of reflection and dissecting the problem, and then, asking in return, the OP to answer a few questions before the helper can render an opinion.
I have many times asked an OP to answer 4 or 5 simple step-by-step questions, much like a verbal flow chart, to get the OP to understand, before any advice is given, what the problem really is. Many times, the OP will answer one or two questions, and answer a few that weren't even asked. It's like pulling teeth, but we soldier on, because it's the right thing to do.
Many questions are not answered simply. There are variables, misconceptions, and misunderstood assumptions. (Bad spelling, bad grammar and colloquialisms don't help, either.) Simply to answer and go on with one's life is not in the best interest of the OP. He needs to see the big picture, broken down into little pictures, and then be presented with the opportunity to have his own "AHA!" moment.
Take, as an example, the well-meaning members who admit that they little or nothing about electricity but want to know how to install or repair a toy that has two words: ELECTRIC and TRAINS.
To answer in a way that elevates the OP's future chances of self-made success, a little of the old Socratic method is necessary. If you don't know who Socrates was, now's the chance to Google and elevate.
(BTW, 14 gauge is the correct answer to everything.)
I have to disagree, one thing I learned commanding a warship in the Navy was “ keep it simple *****8*), details do not guarantee success but can lead to a train wreck. It is always best to “read” what they are asking, the type of question will give you the level the person is at……..than tailor the answer to his level. Not making you feel like the expert.
Go Simple or Go Home!
But I AM the expert, Admiral. And this ain't the Navy.
@ThatGuy posted:I have to disagree, one thing I learned commanding a warship in the Navy was “ keep it simple *****8*), details do not guarantee success but can lead to a train wreck. It is always best to “read” what they are asking, the type of question will give you the level the person is at……..than tailor the answer to his level. Not making you feel like the expert.
I have to agree, especially the last point about tailoring the response to the level and the needs of the OP.
Sometimes, there's no option other than to ask additional questions, but that should be made part of a *conversation* rather than an interrogation, especially if the questioning requires knowledge obviously beyond the OP's level, or takes on the tone of an implied put-down. Sure, if you engage, you *will* be spending time and employing your hard-won expertise for free, but that does not make *your* 'druthers the primary driver of the conversation. Remember, if you're offended by the lack of specificity in the question or any other reason, you *always* have the option to decline to answer. From the tone of some of the proffered "help" I've seen, the well-being of both the OP and the erstwhile "helper" would likely improve if such an option was taken more often. 'Nuff said . . .
@John H posted:There is no forum rule that says you have to read a long answer.
Your right, but why write a book when a simple 2 sentence answer conveys all that is needed.
@ThatGuy posted:Please most questions you must read, not assume. There are so many simple questions asked and just like your reply, go on and on why and how.
here is a good example : I want to use track around my tree what should I use, very simple tubular is good fast track better. What ever you like the look of should work fine.
While I agree with your original statement, this is not a good example. FasTrack isn't better than tubular. If you have a hardwood floor, then tubular will be much quieter than FasTrack. If you have a thick-pile carpet, then FasTrack will prevent carpet strands from gumming up the wheels and gears and prevent grease stains on the carpet. Sometimes the answer is, "It depends."
NO
“I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” -Mark Twain
A a newbie myself, some of the members have given me advice that I did not always realize. The best advice was how to ask the question by doing a little research so my questions were less general. I realized that help starts by helping myself first instead of just asking a question and getting a variety of responses that just confused me more. I know nothing about train repair/electricity or woodworking…..but I am learning , and I am not taking a side because I am sure I will forget and just ask…but I do it less and less.
Thankyou to all who answered my questions and those who showed me what and how to ask.
@ThatGuy posted:Your right, but why write a book when a simple 2 sentence answer conveys all that is needed.
Well, yes, but doesn't that really just beg the question? Brevity is not *always* best -- sometimes a short reply just leaves out relevant, even crucial, information. One size (even small!) does not necessarily fit all . . .
LOL!
This thread is a PERFECT example of the problem.
@ThatGuy posted:I have to disagree, one thing I learned commanding a warship in the Navy was “ keep it simple *****8*), details do not guarantee success but can lead to a train wreck. It is always best to “read” what they are asking, the type of question will give you the level the person is at……..than tailor the answer to his level. Not making you feel like the expert.
Go Simple or Go Home!
Did you read the title of this thread?
@John H posted:Did you read the title of this thread?
You obviously did not, I started the thread….lol
@Steve Tyler posted:Well, yes, but doesn't that really just beg the question? Brevity is not *always* best -- sometimes a short reply just leaves out relevant, even crucial, information. One size (even small!) does not necessarily fit all . . .
It’s very simple, but a few people want to hold on to their Pomposity, simple questions deserve simple direct answers. When a question is asked “ what gauge wire should I use” we don’t need to ask about layout size amount of amps or alike. The simple answer is “ 14 gauge is best and 16 is good as well.” Simple direct and it covers any potential size.
@ThatGuy posted:You obviously did not, I started the thread….lol
I meant that it makes no sense grammatically.
I dunno.
I usually learn something after reading the How and Why questions and answers
@John H posted:I meant that it makes no sense grammatically.
I’ll back that up John,,…..this whole thread makes no sense…..😉
Pat
@ThatGuy posted:It’s very simple, but a few people want to hold on to their Pomposity, simple questions deserve simple direct answers. When a question is asked “ what gauge wire should I use” we don’t need to ask about layout size amount of amps or alike. The simple answer is “ 14 gauge is best and 16 is good as well.” Simple direct and it covers any potential size.
If you think all questions have one simple, direct answer, you either have little experience in the real world, or have limited your world to only those things that have simple answers, IM(NS)HO.
FWIW, "bombastic" and "pompous" come in both elegant and prolix forms, IMHO. Simple enough for you? YMMV, of course . . .
I'm good with simple answers and with more detailed responses. I think it's great when people respond with an answer. I can sift through each and take what I need from those generous enough to participate in a thread. The more the merrier.
You can edit out the last sentence; it's extraneous.
The IRONY is too much, long winded answers about long winded answers. You guys are killing me, and Mark Twain was correct, some times a short letter requires more time to write because it requires more thought to consolidate a long letter into a short one. This is a forum, talking is what we do. I always prefer a more detailed answer, but some do not. If you want short answers, read the short posts and if you want to decipher more detailed and informative answers read those posts, simple (not really) LOL.
@Steve Tyler posted:If you think all questions have one simple, direct answer, you either have little experience in the real world, or have limited your world to only those things that have simple answers, IM(NS)HO.
FWIW, "bombastic" and "pompous" come in both elegant and prolix forms, IMHO. Simple enough for you? YMMV, of course
@Steve Tyler posted:If you think all questions have one simple, direct answer, you either have little experience in the real world, or have limited your world to only those things that have simple answers, IM(NS)HO.
FWIW, "bombastic" and "pompous" come in both elegant and prolix forms, IMHO. Simple enough for you? YMMV, of course . .
@Keith k posted:The IRONY is too much, long winded answers about long winded answers. You guys are killing me, and Mark Twain was correct, some times a short letter requires more time to write because it requires more thought to consolidate a long letter into a short one. This is a forum, talking is what we do. I always prefer a more detailed answer, but some do not. If you want short answers, read the short posts and if you want to decipher more detailed and informative answers read those posts, simple (not really) LOL.
@John H posted:I meant that it makes no sense grammaticallOf Course it doesn’t it’s not supposed to you proved the point.
This thread is hilarious.
Jon 
@ThatGuy wouldn’t it be more interesting to post up something you’ve built, or something you’ve created and enjoy, instead of all this absolute nonsense?……let’s see that “ test fixture” that hopefully exists, or a locomotive you’ve repaired, or modified……the object of this forum is to enjoy the hobby and share the wealth of knowledge, ……if you don’t like all the answers given on a specific thread, John said it best, don’t read them,…..or perhaps, go start your own forum,….but geeeezzzzzz, try enjoying the hobby for a change …..
Pat
@harmonyards posted:@ThatGuy wouldn’t it be more interesting to post up something you’ve built, or something you’ve created and enjoy, instead of all this absolute nonsense?……let’s see that “ test fixture” that hopefully exists, or a locomotive you’ve repaired, or modified……the object of this forum is to enjoy the hobby and share the wealth of knowledge, ……if you don’t like all the answers given on a specific thread, John said it best, don’t read them,…..or perhaps, go start your own forum,….but geeeezzzzzz, try enjoying the hobby for a change …..
Pat
Thank you for your response
A older mentor of mine (deceased now) .. said
If you ask someone their opinion ... be prepared for their answer.
some ask, some read, some do..
14 Gauge is THE answer, therefore I learned something today. Anytime I visit this forum is a good time, but I'll side with the KISS principle.
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