A friend of mine recently sent me an email asking me a question. I didn’t have the answer to hand, so I went to a well-known search engine (I’m not the BBC, but I am aware there are many search engines out there – and the engine isn’t important). Anyway, I clicked on the link and went to get my information.
What surprised me was the amount of times I saw “that” comment posted on the forum – an interesting juxtaposition I thought; I’m trying to find information and ‘you’ are telling me to look for it… which I’m doing. Hmm. Helping, much?
So I thought about why people might ask questions. The obvious is of course to find an answer – but is it that simple? There are many rumours around about the validity of the content on some web-based encyclopedic sites and it is quite easy to create a bogus page of information (such as the one that says I’m clever, for example!) so by asking the question we can start to get validation on the information – I’m asking you, as a potential subject expert, to explain.
We are a communicative species, language and conversation being something that we have done quite well at developing; and by asking a question I am in fact engaging you in conversation. On a forum-based internet this conversation is stilted, but the effect is still the same – I say (write) something and you respond. For those who don’t have full-time jobs or a social life, communication through these media is more crucial – so a simple question can take on a much deeper sub text.
The other side of this interesting coin is the person who types that little nugget. Why spend the time telling everyone that you’re not going to help them? Surely a more socially acceptable response might be “I don’t know” or even just radio silence. What are they saying? Well, there’s an arrogance to the person (which immediately gives me a perception of the person) but also that perhaps they are somehow socially excluded also – desperate to contribute to the conversation, but with nothing to say…
For me, I’m happy to look up the answer if I don’t know. After all, it is also an opportunity (if I have the time) to learn something; it may be that it could be useful for me to know that information too. If I know the answer, I’ll reference it and send information (I like to share, as regular readers will know!). If I don’t – and I have time – I’ll say, “sorry I don’t know” but may continue to watch the forum in case someone does send a useful link – so I can learn also.
