Unacceptable aggression on CUK

[chris79]

People who act aggressive towards others on this forum should be banned, I don't care how educated or informed they are on matters, it's an open forum for anyone to ask any question and does not warrant a tirade of sarcasm and abuse for asking a question which might be found on Google or using search. All it does is have a negative impact on the way the forum operates and on the people wanting to use it (as highlighted above). As stated several times now, if it's a problem for anyone they should move to another forum to discuss things at a higher level, I'll even give a newbies guide to setting up on a hosting account with php/sql if it solves the problem.

[chris79]

People with nearly 100 posts and 10 months of membership don't count as newbies do they?

Believe it or not I actually spend more time posting things to help people than asking questions, but use my stats for your own propaganda campaign as you desire.

[chris79]

Anyway, I just hit 100 posts so I'm no longer allowed to act like a newbie and therefore resigning from this discussion. I'll love you even if you refuse to love me back in return!! ...

[BrilloPad]

Come on guys, ease up!

You were newbie contractors once, and probably asked a lot of questions that probably appear stupid to the more intiated amongst us.

It's really not fair to ridicule them, or put them dow, as if they're complete ignorant numpties that should know better than to grace this forum with 'their daft offerings.' A lot of people may well be put off by joining this forum or asking highly relevant questions for their own circumstances.

By all means make some reference for standard answers, if they can help, but just remember that newbie insecurities will inevitably elicit a feeling of extra caution about what they see is a scary leap into the dark and so they would rather ensure answers are up to date and relevant to their own particular concerns by asking them again and getting tailored answers. That's normal human behaviour not the outpourings of a numpty.

So be nice guys!

If they want to be treated nicely they should join tpd. or the counting thread.

[dx4100]

wow, never heard such a bunch of bullies. Guessing most of you where the ones the got picked on in school and now are seeking revange in the form of a messageboard.

The first time guides people point to are not all that good to be frank. They dont cleary lay things out. The advice on IR35 is pritty much zero. JUst says get your contract checked out. Well I have to leave permie employment to get in that postion and the difference in pay is massive.

Your should put a sign up saying newbies not wanted. At least people wont be shocked by someone of our tulipty attitudes.....

[malvolio]

There is a bit of a culture that people who ask dumb questions must be dumb, and I'm probably one of the ones who kicked that attitude off in the first place. The reason for that was stated long ago - this is a competetive and combative business we're in, so be aware that some robust answers will be given. Also, it's a commercial one so don't expect handouts.

That said, even I always try and actually give an answer: it might not be the answer you were expecting and it might require you to add a little effort of your own, but it's usually in there somewhere. That is a long way away from being aggressive and unhelpful.

Equally, chris79 has said it himself: while he clearly does have a clue about how things work, his view is that it's an open forum for anyone to ask any question and does not warrant a tirade of sarcasm and abuse for asking a question which might be found on Google or using search. Well why not? If you can't be arsed to do at least the basic research, why should I waste my time doing it for you? I don't think you'll find any of the regulars failing to answer a direct and focused question, sometimes at great length: the short answers are kept for the "Tell Me Everything" brigade, or those who clearly need a reality check.

So we (or at least I!) may be a bit abrupt on occasion, but it's not out of malice and is done for a reason.

[cojak]

it's an open forum for anyone to ask any question and does not warrant a tirade of sarcasm and abuse for asking a question which might be found on Google or using search.

Yes it is an open forum, and having the umpteenth newbie asking the same questions about Ltds vs Umbrellas gets a little wearing at times, particularly if they don't even need to use Google or Search facilities, just read the stickies at the top of the page.

As Mal said, contracting requires a little bit of self-reliance and researching skills. Contractors do not have bosses telling them what to do and what to think. Obvious permie traits will be pointed out quite quickly.

There are also 1st times posts from people who have thought and researched on their own and are confused on aspects of that research - these people are always made welcome on 1st reply.

As can be seen here...

While people can be abrupt (ok, possibly rude... ) they are not vicious; newbies just need to show that they've thought around the subject and not jump in expecting to be spoon-fed.

[Denny]

I think it is perfectly possible to encourage self reliance and give honesty without resorting to put downs or abuse. The excuses given for it are not at all convincing. IT contractors are one man band operations (normally) who need guidance on what is going on in 'our world' to see if they're suited to it and whether it is the right time to make the leap, they're not enlisting for the Army to prepare for war so the drill seargant 'toughening up' approach is unwarranted. That kind of behaviour says a lot more about the person answering than it does about the enquirer.

What's the difference between a newbie asking a question on here and us asking our solicitors or accountants queries about points of law or taxation affairs? These questions probably seem niaive and silly to them, but I don't see them hitting back with abuse, even when the responses are free of charge. For example, when did the Accountax helpline which is free for PCG members who need general tax or accountancy questions answered respond with a tone suggesting ' why are you phoning me, you worthless ignorant numpty' - eh?

[Sockpuppet]

For example, when did the Accountax helpline which is free for PCG members who need general tax or accountancy questions answered respond with a tone suggesting ' why are you phoning me, you worthless ignorant numpty' -eh?

The courtsey in the advice dished out here should be proportionate to the amount paid for it. Its accountax's business to provide that sort of help.

[Denny]

The courtsey in the advice dished out here should be proportionate to the amount paid for it. Its accountax's business to provide that sort of help.

True enough, but some legal and accountancy bods give advice free of charge to a limited degree (even if they do want your business).

If it's not a contractor's business to offer help, then don't give it if you can't do it with a civil tone.