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Firstly, I should say that these forums are an invaluable resource to those seeking information to address issues. I know I have benefited enormously over the years from both specific and more general information posted by many, many people. I hope that I have been able to reciprocate when the opportunity arises.
When trying to answer or troubleshoot an issue, I find my contribution will often fall into one or both of 2 categories. The first is where my direct experience, probably backed up by more or less specific testing on an issue, leads me to a conclusion that I feel I can or should share.
The second is where I may have an opinion but one that is not necessarily tested on the issue under consideration.
I make the distinction because, for me, when I post a "solution" to someone's issue I recognise that I do, or at least may, have a responsibility for the implications of that post. Quantifying this responsibility is often difficult, as one never quite knows the experience or personal circumstances of the original poster. Thus, if my "solution" indicates an underpowered CPU, I may be responsible for someone buying a new PC/motherboard/CPU etc etc.
Obviously, they must make up their own mind and spend their money but, and this is the crux of my concern, if my post is in the first category then fine, I can stand by it. If, however, it is in the second category, then maybe I need to ensure my post is not couched in terms that make it any other than an "opinion", so as to ensure the OP (who may be more or less experienced than me, but I don't know which) does not attach undue weight to my opinion, causing them to view it as "fact" and act accordingly.
So, whilst readily acknowledging the worthwhile efforts of so many, I occaisionally have had to pause for thought (so to speak) because, as a result of well meaning information genuinely given, I see that a poster has incurred costs with new kit etc. only to find the problem remains and it was actually another issue that was then solved at no cost, or a different cost, often as a result of more precise testing or exploration of the issue.
However, I do not underestimate the difficulty or effort required to get to the bottom of a problem, particularly if the poster finds difficulty (for whatever reason) in providing good, sound information to work with. Nor do I underestimate the genuine wish for members to help one another quickly and speedily.
I do think other forum members have, in effect, broached similar sorts of concerns when trying to get to the bottom of some commonly held mantras. I believe a recent thread on the "100Gb disc space requirement" was the subject of much debate in an attempt to bottom what some might consider (in some circumstances) a bit of an urban myth. Similarly, I know from personal experience that it is possible to edit HD on a dual core laptop with 4Gb RAM on a diveboat in Egypt, it's just not very quick, nor can I do complex things easily and, yes, I do wish I had my dual monitor AMD Phenom X6 desktop system with me. But there is a difference in saying (or intimating) that the laptop "will not work", as opposed to "it won't work very well but if you take your time etc etc."
I reiterate, it is not my intention to dampen or constrain members contributions, but just to raise a small flag about the quality or basis of information proffered and the accompanying responsibility that we all have in offering such information to each other.
I apologise if I have stepped, or indeed even jumped, over the fine line.
Cheers
Adrian
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (see below)
Confucius
AMD Phenom IIX6 1055T, win10, 5 internal drives, 7 usb drives, struggling power supply.
