Only Give Solid Advice!
Here within WA community there is a wonderful attitude prevalent wherein people enjoy helping each other out. It is hands-down the most helpful online business community I've ever been fortunate enough to be a part of.
But - and this is something I had to learn the hard way - be careful that if you are "helping" someone solve a problem or understanding something, whatever ... make sure you are giving solid, 100% correct and cogent advice!
You can hurt rather than help, albeit with good intentions, if you "solve" someone's problem with erroneous or faulted information. If you want to help, but you are not 100% positive that you really have the correct answer or information, it is better to advise the person asking for help to search for related blogs, tutorials and trainings in the query bar at the top of the page.
Here at WA we have a wealth of helpful blogs, tutorials and trainings archived, so again if you are not sure, be of help by sending someone where they can get the for sure answers they need.
Okay, stepping down off my soapbox now, LOL
Peace, Love, Vegetables and Prosperity to All
The Old Silly
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ABSOLUTELY!!!
If I don't understand the question, I don't even bother to chime in. No one wants to receive a bunch of comments that say, "Sorry, I don't have the answer.", so if I feel clueless, I don't even bother to chime in.
There are thousands - possibly over a million people - on this platform. With every fiber of my being, I believe that there will always be someone on this platform who can answer a question, so there's no need for me to give answers that are not accurate.
Thanks for keeping this short- n-sweet, Marvin.
Veronica, I totally agree. There are SO many GREAT minds in this WA community, and such a wealth of support, there is no reason to "chime in" on a subject that I am not an expert at, that will certainly be well answered by those that are the experts.
Good advice, That is why I wonder if it is the ranking here at WA that is causing this. Just saying!
Hmm... interesting thought...
I have no doubt that comes into play at times, but from what I've seen, the majority of responses seem genuine.
But, I'd like to add that everyone needs to take ownership of their business. Just because I ask a question and someone answers it, doesn't mean that I should blindly follow whatever that person said.
If you chose not to apply due diligence, then you have to accept the consequences - whether good or bad - of taking the advice from someone you don't know.
Lazyblogger (and, btw, love your username, lol) - unfortunately, I believe the ranking system does incite - especially newbies - to offer "helpful" comments that they are not yet qualified to respond to. They want to get "likes" and move up in the ranking system.
Doesn't surprise me about YOUR restraint, Loes ... and given how well you are trained and capable, if someone such as yourself admits there are times when you're not sure ... hey - what does that say about the majority?
As I did not always know the difference in good and bad advice when I started- I also went astray a time or two. Yes, I think the helpful hand had every good intention, and what was advised had probably worked for them.
However, I am sure I didn't state my issue plainly enough or they were just misunderstood. Or I misunderstood- resulting in even more problems. So- this leaves me afraid to help others beyond the recommendations you suggest.
As this is rarely the answer wanted, usually an immediate fix is the expected reply, I defer to those who can understand the problem and give answers so accurately.
Congratulations on jobs well done remains my form of encouragement.
Thanks for a chance to voice my position on this matter.
Sami
Thanks for the comment and candor. Hey - we all make newbie mistakes, albeit well intentioned ones. This blog was just a reminder to make sure you are really helping, not just trying to get a "like" to your comment.
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I've noticed that a bit more than usual lately, Marvin. Sometimes I want to give people a slap on the wrist for giving the wrong advice :)
I know the feeling, Marion, lol. Far too many excellent and expert sources here to be slinging around info that is incorrect.