How to Find the Help You Need
Before you shoot off an email to your Web Design Guide (or any other Internet expert, for that matter), there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- Did I read the Web Design Site FAQ?
- Did I post my question to the forum?
- Did I read the manual or other books on this subject?
- Did I use the search function on this site to find the answer?
- Did I search the Web to find an answer?
If you can answer "yes" to all these questions, and still couldn't find the answer you were looking for, then writing to the Web Design Guide might be the answer.
Before You Write
Think about the question you want answered. Here are some tips to be sure you phrase your question in a way that will get answered quickly:
- Don't send attachments
I can't open them, and so it won't help your question. If you must show me something visually, post it to a Web site and send the URL. - Use a meaningful subject
If your subject looks like spam, chances are it will be deleted without being opened. I have a very strong spam filter, and many spam-like messages I never even see. - Be specific
If there is an error message include the error message. Include the steps you tried before you had the problem. - Be polite
I am much more likely to respond favorably to a politely worded request. And remember, all caps in email sounds like you're shouting at the recipient, and I don't like to be shouted at. - Saying thank you is always appreciated
If your question is answered and was helpful, it's always nice to know.
For a more in-depth look at how to write good questions, read Eric S. Raymond's essay How to Ask Questions the Smart Way.
Where to Write
If all else fails, please feel free to send me email - webdesign@aboutguide.com. Like all the Guides here at About, I am a real person. I work full-time as a Writer / Web Developer and I maintain the About Web Design site, but I do try to answer my mail as quickly as possible.
Jennifer Kyrnin - webdesign@aboutguide.com