Request for Support via PM

Posts: 1424 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:22 pm Post subject: Request for Support via PM

Normally I don't mind responding to requests via PM, typically they are a result of someone's specific problem in an area I have previously given advice.

However I recently received a request for support on a topic that I don't believe I had previously addressed and one that isn't of particular interest to me. The user has not made any posts.

Do other long time members receive these requests? Do you get the feeling some of these people are making multiple specific PM requests rather than posting in the forum? How do you respond to them?

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

I do.

You know this about me Stephen, but others might not: I am not technical.

I am an accountant who had an idea about starting my own forum after getting flamed on BBR.

So I get these wildly techy questions asked of me, I *always* suggest that they post it in the forums.

Posts: 409 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:20 pm Post subject:

What does getting Flamed mean?

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:30 pm Post subject:

maryjane wrote:

What does getting Flamed mean?

FLAMED

(n.) A searing e-mail or newsgroup message in which the writer attacks another participant in overly harsh, and often personal, terms. Flames are an unfortunate, but inevitable, element of unmoderated conferences.
(v.) To post a flame.

Posts: 409 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 8:33 pm Post subject:

ahh, well its unfortunate you were flamed ........but good for us here because alot of users depend on your forum Very Happy

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:00 pm Post subject:

Yes, but please do not get me wrong about BBR/VoIP forum. It is a good forum, but much different than this one.

They: Very high tech, lot's of really informative techy info. Serious security/network IT/gamer type of users.
US: Not so high tech, but consumer orientated, end user friendly, less use of acronyms.

BTW, the main Mod over there is a real good guy, Keys Capt.

Posts: 409 · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:33 pm Post subject:

dconnor wrote:

Yes, but please do not get me wrong about BBR/VoIP forum. It is a good forum, but much different than this one.

They: Very high tech, lot's of really informative techy info.
US: High tech, but consumer orientated, end user friendly, less use of acronyms.

BTW, the main Mod over there is a real good guy, Keys Capt.

Yes it is also a good forum I go there on occasion when my questions do not relate to Vonage.

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject:

I get, on average, about one PM per week for special assistance, for a variety of reasons.

Sometimes, they are highly specific follow-ups on a discussion that is going on, that the user does not want to "skunk up" a general thread, or has equipment that is slightly different, or just wants to provide information that they don't want made public.

Generally, if it's something like that, I'll give 'em a couple or three PM's and try to help, then recommend that they post what they can in public if I can't help them any further.

The best information comes from a mix of brains, not from PM'ing one person. But if I've started helping someone and it seems to be working, sometimes they take it PM so we can finish up without conflicting/confusing advice.

Sometimes someone doesn't understand some terminology and doesn't want to admit it in public for fear of looking foolish or "n00b". Which is sorta unfortunate, since this is a forum primarily FOR those new to Voip. But in those cases, I will explain what they want to know as best I can, then try to lead them back to the main forum where more brain cells can be brought to bear on any problems.

Posts: 533 · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:31 am Post subject:

dconnor wrote:

Yes, but please do not get me wrong about BBR/VoIP forum. It is a good forum, but much different than this one.

They: Very high tech, lot's of really informative techy info.
US: High tech, but consumer orientated, end user friendly, less use of acronyms.

BTW, the main Mod over there is a real good guy, Keys Capt.

I've actually been checking out the Networking forum on BBR, and if their Voip forum is anything like it, they really stink. I find that people post a lot of questions then seem to disappear. There's rarely any closure to issues because the original posters go AWOL.

We seem to have a much more active user base which makes this forum much more fun and interesting.

Posts: 409 · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:16 am Post subject:

EzCo wrote:

dconnor wrote:

Yes, but please do not get me wrong about BBR/VoIP forum. It is a good forum, but much different than this one.

They: Very high tech, lot's of really informative techy info.
US: High tech, but consumer orientated, end user friendly, less use of acronyms.

BTW, the main Mod over there is a real good guy, Keys Capt.

I've actually been checking out the Networking forum on BBR, and if their Voip forum is anything like it, they really stink. I find that people post a lot of questions then seem to disappear. There's rarely any closure to issues because the original posters go AWOL.

We seem to have a much more active user base which makes this forum much more fun and interesting.

I noticed that also, I think its because the BBR forum is more for tech. knowledgable people.

And it scares some people away. This forum for the most is full of patient helpful members that have an understanding for newbies type of needs and don't fluster a new user with high tech terms.