[Asterisk-Users] List tips for new subscribers

[Phil Quinney]

Whilst some valid points are being made I'd like to add my two pence...

I've been using Asterisk for a year now. In that time I've only asked two 
questions: one about the outbound proxy support and one about call transfers. 
All the other information I've needed I was able to find in the Wiki, or 
failing that with a quick google search.

I often see questions posted to the list which have been previously answered 
several times (often just a few days previously). These answers are archived 
in the list archives which are easily searchable with google.

Posting questions such as "why do I get messages about RFC 3389 support when 
using X-Lite" scream "I couldn't be bothered to search google". Google would 
provide a faster answer and not waste the time of the other list subscribers, 
not to mention the additional load on Digium's email servers. In my opinion 
its nothing more than common courtesy to do as much work as you can first, 
then ask for help. In the end you'll learn more. The developers who are kind 
enough to take the time to keep an eye on the Users mailing list have a finite 
amount of time. Responding to lazy questions only wastes their time and 
reduces the amount of time they can spend on Asterisk development.

As for buying unnecessary Digium hardware just to put money into Asterisk - 
thats (imo) silly. There are lots of other ways to support Asterisk. Write 
documentation, contribute to the Wiki, answer mailing list questions. I try to 
post replies to questions when I can (which I do regret isn't often because of 
my University work).

With all of the above in mind, I do think something like an FAQ would be a 
great addition. I'm not sure if there is one on the Wiki but it would help cut 
down on a number of unecessary postings, and their assosciated replies from Mr 
Critchfield.

Just my 2p.

Phil.

> asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com wrote:
> 
> > (side note: If you havent bought their hardware and are using
> > Asterisk for "free" them again you should expect even less
> > assistance imo) 
> 
> Right, so I have to buy hardware I don't need?
> 
> --