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What is the proper etiquette

A user asks a question. Someone (typically SU/Mod) responds by requesting additional information or clarification. Now it is a waiting game and sometimes the OP does not reply for whatever reason.

But you know the answer to the original question. Do you jump in with the solution or stand back?

I typically stay quiet out of respect.

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Sceptic

@BK I am not a super user, but I try to help whenever I can. For me, if I was in the process of answering a question, I wouldn't mind at all if someone else added some additional insight or a solution to the issue. I think the goal is to help the OP. But, out of respect, I do wait if I see someone else has already started a dialog because the worse thing for me to do is cause confusion rather than help. I usually flag the post, wait for updates to gauge progress. If some time has passed then I will check to see if there is anything I can add that will be of benefit.

Chris_QPW

I'm going to answer this in a slightly different way than one might expect because I don't have a good formula for when I jump in or wait it really just depends on how I feel. It doesn't offend me if someone jumps in and answers a question I have replied to.

Jim_Harman

If the other reply is a routine set of questions - when did this start, where is your file stored, etc - but I am quite sure of the answer to the OP's issue, I will usually jump in with my answer.

I try not to repeat anyone else's answer, but sometimes I will add detail or try to clarify the other answer.

splasher

When I ask for more information, it is NOT to claim the thread as mine to answer, but figuring that the added information prevents the next person from having to play twenty questions with the OP.

Jim_Harman

My only objection to others jumping in is if they offer essentially the same answer hours later, as if they did not bother to read my carefully crafted answer.

Palace

I normally don't answer any question immediately, primarily because I don't know the answer 😂 However, if I should have a idea that seems logical, will usually jump in after reading what the other have to say. I'm not overly concerned about 'proper etiquette', but try not to be to much of a horses' behind 😉 By the way, Mr. BK. "In All Sincerity", if Quicken offered a prize for the Most Polite Poster; I feel confident you'd win hands down. Your a true gentleman.

mshiggins

It depends? I am more inclined to add an answer when the already supplied answers seem to be going in the wrong direction.

jacobs

Sometimes the moderators ask a boilerplate list of routine troubleshooting questions: when did you first notice this? have you restored from a backup? where is your data file stores? what version of Quicken are your running? etc. And sometimes answers to those questions are important to addressing the question, so I wait to reply.

But other times, I think I know what the answer to the problem is and don't wait to offer my reply if the answers to the previously-asked questions aren't relevant to what I have to offer. I don't think that's improper etiquette at all; the goal is to try to help the user who has a question or problem. I may say in my reply "if this doesn't fix your problem, please provide answers to the questions above" to make sure they aren't overlooked.

Sceptic

Most super users are knowledgible, helpful, and interact professionally. They are great to work with. But unfortunately, I see some super users here that have a hard time keeping their egos in check and follow their own advice on this thread. Also some other super users that are condescending and rude. It seems that proper etiquette is eclipsed by their egos.

jacobs

I'm not sure if it's ego as much as some longtimers being weary with questions that have been asked and answered dozens of times before. Or people asking questions which indicate they don't understand something fundamental about how Quicken works or is intended to be used. I see this in other forums I follow. It can be hard for experienced veterans to remember the person asking the question is new at it or doesn't realize it's been answered many times before. (And yes, oftentimes a quick Search before posting would have led to the answer, but because the search feature on this site is pretty awful, I give a lot of grace for people not searching, or searching and not finding the answer even though it's out there. 😉)

Sceptic

You are being too gracious. I understand what you are saying but what I see is not weariness. It's downright unnecessary condescention and rudeness. I am surprised there haven't been complaints. But what I think is people are just backing down and saying the heck with it. They sometimes give answers that are meaningless, rude, and condescending and do nothing to help the user. Others do jump in when it's not necessary even when they said they would never do it. It has nothing to do with being weary. I can say that I see a difference between how Mac superusers treat eachother and users vs. Windows superusers.

Palace

Hey, I agree, some users can be a 'tad brisk' at times, even me; but, that's life 😏 I find most super users, and regular, run of the mill users (like me 😉), on this forum anyway; give polite, problem-solving solutions. I don't take offense easily; in my estimation because growing up in 1950's, 60's, language was a bit more callous than today. Never hurts though to be polite; or as Rodney King famously said after L.A. riots: "I just want to say - you know - can we, can we all get along"? 🤷‍♂️

jacobs

@Sceptic if you feel someone is doing that in a comment, you can flag it for a moderator to review. I know they can and have warned, and ultimately outright banned, some posters for violating the guidelines for the site.

I appreciate all responses to my post.

On the sideways topic, although I have seen a few responses to be reflective of having a bad day, I respectfully disagree with the "downright unnecessary condescending and rudeness" comment. I have observed utmost professionalism from the SuperUsers and I am very grateful to them. These folks have the patience of a saint in many occasions that I strive to possess!

Cheers everyone

Sceptic

I totally agree with you that most are great, but I stand by my comment. I think some of the superusers have become cavalier and flout the rules.

mshiggins

Regarding responses that come across as rude or condescending, I hope that if any of my comments come across that way that the poster will call me out on it. I much prefer getting the feedback right away so I can correct the behavior and/or clear up the misunderstanding.

If you're not comfortable doing that in open forum, once a user has 100+ points, they can send private messages to other users. You can also PM the moderators. Just look for the envelope icon at the upper right of the forum page.