Cross Posting for Computer Help
When users are having computer problems, they sometimes tend to panic. Ok, they always panic! If they belong to more than one Yahoo Group or list, they want to get their problem fixed so they send a message to not just one, but to every group where they are a member.
The thinking here is, "If I post to every Group, I will get an answer faster".
Well, maybe and then maybe not. The problem with sending a post for help to more than one Group at a time (otherwise known as 'cross posting') is the fact that a lot of the other members are also members of all the same Groups. This tends to be a fact, computer users are always on the look out for another computer Group or forum, in the hopes of learning something new about computers. There is also the desire to help other users that are having problems.
The first time an 'expert' member sees a post that is in effect a cry for help, those expert members jump in with answers or else they research for an answer. Sometimes the research takes a long time. Then the 'expert' member posts the answer found during research and hopes it will fix the problem.
Now, imagine this. After a lot of time spent researching the poster's query for help and posting the answer, the 'expert' member logs onto another Group. There is the same post for help from the same person! And another expert member has already answered the question.
How do you think this makes the first 'expert' member feel?
I know how I would feel! The next time this member who posted the question posts another question, I doubt I would spend much time researching or maybe even bother to respond if I knew the answer!
So while the first problem has been fixed (or not), the next cry for help may go unanswered.
If you have a problem with your computer and need help from a Yahoo Group, please think twice before 'cross posting'!
If you don't get the help you need in a reasonable length of time, then it is OK to post to another Group for help.