<VV> Polite Suggestion

[Mike Jacobi]

As one who has benefitted mightily from the advice posted here, I wanted to make a polite (politic) suggestion.

I have noticed a certian (not unreasonable) irritation among some of the experts when responding to questions that have been answered in books and reference matierlas, before.  The sense that comes through is, "...for heavens sake, look in the book!!!".  

Unfortunately, this raises anger on both sides of the issue.  I would suggest that a better response (if you don't want to simply tell the person the answer) would be to say..."Check (insert name of the reference material) on page XXXX to page XXXX,  If you still have questions, feel free to re-post the question."

This way the learner is encouraged to buy the book, and is helped to learn to use it.  And they're less likely to get their backs up about it...and maybe more likely to check the book before they post next time.  After all, the goal I think is to encourage the creation of more and more Covair experts, not to drive people away from asking questions or making suggestions.

Of course, my own ignorance about Corvair mechanics is so profound that I think I will stop taking up bandwidth and go read Bob Heldt's great book.  Even if I just drop it on my toe, I'm bound to learn something!

Thanks for listening