1. Asking for a library recommendation
I want to do X? What library should I use?
2. Asking for debugging help without putting the code in the question
My code doesn't work. Here's a link to my github repo
3. Asking an overly general question
How do I 3d in Python?
I would write a clear question with context, and include the things I tried but didn’t work.
It got to a point where writing a question that would pass the gauntlet of mods and people looking for easy rep would result in no answers.
My takeaway was that SO only works for superficial questions where folks could maximize their rep/hour.
These days I go directly to the maintainers on GitHub or through commercial support. If those channels aren’t available, I avoid the dependency. Crowdsourced answers to technical issues worked for the first few years on SO, but game theory has ruined it.
“ No subtle put-downs or unfriendly language. Even if you don’t intend it, this can have a negative impact on others.”
https://meta.stackexchange.com/conduct
“Be kind. Don't be snarky. Have curious conversation; don't cross-examine. Please don't fulminate. Please don't sneer, including at the rest of the community.“
https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
I’d be curious if you feel that your comment meets these guidelines? If not, do you think the relevant sites would be better served by changing the guidelines?
I hold the second part is reasonable though.