35 replies to this topic

[Bill D]

When you ask an intelligent person (engineer type) a simple question, that you never get a simple answer?

 

I'm serious when I ask this.

 

Typically a new person will visit a forum like this and ask a simple question.

e.g. What lubricant should I use to lubricate the deadbolt on my FWC?

 

By the end of the day there are about 10 replies.  Each reply is progressively longer than the previous to the tune of about 3/4 of a page, often without a consensus.

 

By the time the OP gets back to their computer that evening to find out the answer to their simple question, they end up more confused than they were before they asked the question.

Edited by Bill D, 16 February 2017 - 12:02 AM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Bill D you make a great point.

Like the old saying, "you ask someone what time it is and they tell you how to build a clock".

Frank

[Bill D]

Bill D you make a great point.

Like the old saying, "you ask someone what time it is and they tell you how to build a clock".

Frank

lol, Thanks I needed a good laugh.

 

I'd be interested to hear what some others have to say about this topic.

Perhaps it's the degree of choices we have today.

 

In the old days the answer would have been simple.  You would have had a little oil can on your work bench.  End of discussion.  Then WD40 came out an ruined everything 

[Vic Harder]

When you ask an intelligent person (engineer type) a simple question, that you never get a simple answer?

 

I'm serious when I ask this.

 

Typically a new person will visit a forum like this and ask a simple question.

e.g. What lubricant should I use to lubricate the deadbolt on my FWC?

 

By the end of the day there are about 10 replies.  Each reply is progressively longer than the previous to the tune of about 3/4 of a page, often without a consensus.

 

By the time the OP gets back to their computer that evening to find out the answer to their simple question, they end up more confused than they were before they asked the question.

Because they don't stop to ask you why you want to know, and don't start with the most basic:

 

 - Do you want a short or long answer?

Edited by Vic Harder, 16 February 2017 - 12:32 AM.

[CougarCouple]

Hi BillD
My take is from reading forums, and posts. People. I think people want to help others, I know I do. Herd the saying "there's more than one way to skin a cat" applies here there are many ways to accomplish a given task.
As for the engineering part as to making things more complex, can't help you there. As for the old days, that was a one on one conversation, with the Internet who knows how many read and can post on any given subject. Check the counter your thread has 16 views and only 3 replies, for the record I'm not an intelligent person.
Russ

ps WD 40 is not a lubricant it is a water dispersant, and only ruined what it was used on.

[The Unshaven]

Are you looking for the long or short answer to your question?

 

Also, does a question to a question count as an answer?

[craig333]

I think to an engineer there are no simple answers. That lubricant, is it going to be subject to extreme cold or heat? How about other environmental factors (dust etc.). I could go on but you get the idea. 

 

Personally I like hearing all the options. I'll be resealing my roof screws soon and I'll need to choose a sealant. I know silicone isn't a good choice but especially as I want it to last as long as possible (I'm lazy) I want to know my options. Ease of use, uv resistance, holding power etc.

 

Uh oh, asked for a simple answer and get a long winded reply. And I'm not even an engineer

[Lighthawk]

My future wife will attest that most of my 'engineering' answers are longer than short.

[Bill D]

My future wife will attest that most of my 'engineering' answers are longer than short.

I hear you.  I try to respect that my GF of 10 years doesn't like my long answers.  I have no issues conversing with my engineer bro in great detail, we enjoy it, but I think it's important to know and respect your target audience.

 

One thing that I think would be beneficial to a forum like this is the ability to create polls at the top of a thread.

[ski3pin]

 

One thing that I think would be beneficial to a forum like this is the ability to create polls at the top of a thread.

 

When you post a new topic, look in the upper right hand corner of the dialog box for Poll and click on manage poll for setting it up.