[Tutor] Comment on http://www.catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

[bob gailer]

Hi fellow tutors and helpers. I have a reaction to 
http://www.catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html and I'd like your 
feedback. Perhaps I will then send revised comments to the authors of 
the site.

Before reading my comments pretend you are a newbie asking your first 
question and getting directed to this site.  Go to the site and try it 
get the answer to "how do I ask a good question?"

---- proposed comments ----

I participate in several Python Help lists. We frequently refer newbies 
to the above site. I decided to take another look at it today.

I found myself a bit disappointed. Here' s why:

All I see at first is email links and Revision History. If I did not 
know to scroll down I might have just figured I was at the wrong page.

Reading translations and disclaimer is not why I'd come here. I also 
would not have come here to be potentially labeled an "idiot".

There's a lot of words to wade thru to get to the heart of the matter - 
how to ask good questions.

What I'd prefer is a page that starts out with a brief summary of a what 
a good question. I think many newbies will read that and get the idea.

Followed by more detail about "how to ask good questions"

Then all the other stuff.

With contact names and email at the bottom preceded by a neutrally 
worded disclaimer. Only those who seek the contact info would need to 
read that.

-- 
Bob Gailer
919-636-4239
Chapel Hill NC