People are not being unhelpful when......

Nodding_Donkey

..... they say "Read the newbies thread"

Actually they are being helpful and trying to make sure people get the latest information. You only have to look at all the threads that start 'I followed the advice on here and ignored....' Ignoring hasn't been the advice for a long time but people still find old threads and take it as gospel.

Now, current advice is to ignore in Scotland. Loads of threads give that advice but imagine if scottish law changed tomorrow? I bet coupon-mad would be on here asap changing the sticky thread but what about all the other threads, some of them very recent?

It happens, things change. So Newbies, if you are advised to read the sticky thread it's not because people are mean, unhelpful or just downright ornery, it's for the benefit of anyone that comes along. Just like you did today

Stroma

Actually I think they are being unhelpful if that is their only reply, I have said previously that if people hijack threads to create a new one. Then those people that do are treated like as if they are thick or something.

I advise people if they take their time in creating a thread, I don't give template answers, I read what they have to say then give a reply on that, so they have a real reply instead of a copy and paste. Yes I say read the sticky thread, but it's not the answer to everything.

It's very unfortunate that newbies coming here are treated unfriendly, and I have seen a number of people commenting on here about it. I am not having a go at anyone in particular, but we were all newbies at one point, and coming across badly drives people from here.

Coupon-mad

I tend to say 'welcome to MSE - please read the NEWBIES thread' and explain where to look. I almost never link it, as the first thing for a newbie is to navigate the forum a bit!

Stroma

Yes you do coupon, what I'm saying is that it's no good just saying read the sticky thread then leave it there. I sometimes link to the thread, sometimes to the main parking forum, and sometimes just ask people to read it. But I do give a few minutes just to give people a real reply.

Just linking and with a template answer is a big turn off, we are trying to pass the message on