When Idiots Are Teaching Newbies...

[tim460]

What is to be expected but newer webmasters who are unable to make any money in the industry?

Especially when some of these people who are supposed to be 'helping' others, dont even know what a TGP is $0.02

I dont know if i am more amazed that people are listening to the advice of these individuals or that these individuals are actually trying to help others.

Regards,

Lee

I've seen it in my other field (art) far too much, where there are less rules and the answers are even crazier and more obnoxious.

Off the bat and in a general sense, though, that thinking makes me a little hesitant to share anything as a novice. (I know, you wrote this mostly to encourage us to chatter?) However, when I do share info here, it's hopefully something in my area of expertise, especially design and aesthetics, since I am and have been a professional artist (and teacher at times) for over 25 years (really 35+). So I feel no hesitancy in that area, yet also must watch out that I'm not bigger than my britches about it so I can still learn. I hate to say this, but I think people die when they stop learning...at least something. What we know can get boring, what we don't know animates and excites us.

Actually I think one of my first posts was your thread about sorbet. And I still think about it!

Interestingly, not all professional artists, business persons or experienced webmasters agree on all things, that's for sure. Not even when answering some newbie questions. More interesting is if agreement prevailed on most all things, a forum would be unnecessary except to publish news, what programs and companies are good, bad, trustworthy, paying, not paying. Important but nonetheless pretty dry stuff.

Unless new members are somehow tested and certified as knowledgeable webmasters, the situation you described is just something any board really of any kind has to deal with. Each person must develop their "street smarts" about what they hear, read, believe. There's nothing wrong with a private, exclusive forum if a bunch of people/webmasters want it, nothing at all. But that's not what this is, and I think it's very healthy and stimulating for a variety of people with different experience and backgrounds to engage with each other. Don't you, really?

In a strange way, I'm comforted by your post. It leaves a newbie free to ask questions more than anything, which honestly is the reason why I joined, and hesitated to join. At first I was concerned about what I actually contribute to this forum if I'm only asking questions. However, I've found or believe that beginners' questions can be enlightening because: 1. they ask what other novices and even sometimes more advanced webmasters may have been reluctant to ask, 2. even if the topic is something you know, sometimes a new point of view is given or some new twist.

[tim460]

I do understand when downright misinformation is given out, it's not a good situation at all. It's a pain when you have to clarify someone else's misinformation, but happens. Hope I haven't made people have to do that.

[Bec]

I do understand when downright misinformation is given out, it's not a good situation at all. It's a pain when you have to clarify someone else's misinformation, but happens. Hope I haven't made people have to do that.

I think we all expect some mis-information to get dished out. Either through misunderstanding the question, or the experience related had to do with another version of such and such, and yes, the deliberate sabotage by some to undermine the efforts of others. All any of can do is take what we read and decide for ourselves if the answer equates an honest, informed response.

[Doc]

There are times when even the most knowledgeable person will not teach as well as the person who has just been doing it a few years. Teaching isn't just showing someone something.

[Bec]

There are times when even the most knowledgeable person will not teach as well as the person who has just been doing it a few years. Teaching isn't just showing someone something.

Oh, I'll take the guy doing it day in and day out over book learning any day!

[Doc]

Oh, I'll take the guy doing it day in and day out over book learning any day!

That is not what I meant. I meant that if a person does not know how to teach he will not teach as well as someone who can even though that person has less experience.

[tim460]

That is not what I meant. I meant that if a person does not know how to teach he will not teach as well as someone who can even though that person has less experience.

Good point. It's all about the ability to communicate ideas clearly, and in a way that each particular individual understands. We all think, speak, talk differently. And to know what's important when...so on. Sometimes people who know a lot can't teach because they presume who they are teaching knows more than they do, too.

Bec's point is also right on target.

[Lee]

That is not what I meant. I meant that if a person does not know how to teach he will not teach as well as someone who can even though that person has less experience.

Its not really a matter of 'teaching' though if you think about it, sure its great to be able to show someone step-by-step but realistically, who has the time these days to do that without it having a knock-on effect on their business?

Over the past 4 years i have actually cut back the amount of 1-on-1 time i give people asking questions because if they dont get the answer they want, you can spend all day, every day with them and they STILL wont follow your advice or instructions.

Regards,

Lee