Newbie Questions

[Harrysp]

Well all of this could be solved if we had a number of stickies that newbies could read before posting the same old questions that we all see on a weekly basis.

Failing that how complex is it to use the search option?

[zeal]

Another angle...

Well not that I'm one to challenge the status quo when I don't really know all that much myself but there are some points that anyone with experience SHOULDN'T forget when newbies are asking questions...

1. There is so much information available that even after several weeks of researching and reading forums, new sources of information are continually appearing, how the hell do you know whats better than the other and well frankly I'm not really sure that I'm any better off or less confused about everything after reading it!

2. Theory vs. experience...this is the whole grad thing right. So, you have all the theory but then in the real world nothing really counts as much as experience. How often is the theory a load of tulipe when in real situations. This comes down to the fact that nothing in business is in a perfect state so the theory has to be manipulated to fit the bill. So, excuse us newbies for asking stupid questions but hell!

3. Lastly, I would rather get the information from the source, upfront and current. This would leave me to get on with the business of securing contracts and running my own business. But then I guess that what you pay professionals to do eh.

Anyway, big ups to everyone that contributes, there is a huge amount of great advice and knowledge and just general humor.

[OrangeHopper]

"Never ceases to amaze me how many people want to go freelance without understanding even the basics of how companies work."

Obviously came naturally to you then mal!

Would have been nice if there had been a public internet when I started out let alone a web site specifically for IT contractors.

Ignorant questions should be asked because research rarely provides 100% confidence in the subject matter. Any information provided by people on here can clarify and educate.

FaxFan, your accountant is your best source. SJD is extremely unlikely to be a bad choice and it's within their interests to help starters. The more experienced of us still need to ask them the odd question.

Good luck.

[expat]

I think Malvolio is doing newbies a favour:

- pointing out that there are other places to find this information (importantly, if you read the FAQ'n'manual you'll probably find answers to questions you didn't know you needed to ask, as well as those you thought of)
- emphasising that knowing this stuff is not optional
- welcoming you to the world of having to do it for yourself
- giving an experienced critique of your relationship with your accountant
- and doing it again and again (does nobody read the first-timer's guide before posting questions?) and for free.

Bravo!

[expat]

Well all of this could be solved if we had a number of stickies that newbies could read before posting the same old questions that we all see on a weekly basis.

Good point I suppose. Yes, there is a First-Timer's Guid, but if the Youth Of Today will not go and read it, but will look at BBs, then sticking it at the top might just work.

If it isn't continually topped by Test Please Delete

[XLMonkey]

nothing will top Test Please Delete as long as there are boobies in the world.....

[Xenophon]

nothing will top Test Please Delete as long as there are boobies in the world.....

Seconded.