Re: "Netiquette" (No WHO content)

Andy, re:

>An important difference is HOW you make the request.  Compare "Hey John@Doe,
you mentioned the new Entwistle album.  Any idea how I could find a copy of
that?" and "Tell me where I can get a copy of the new Entwistle album."

I agree with most of what you said in your entire post, but I think it goes
beyond that. I don't think people put much thought into what they are doing
or saying at times. I picked the above example, since I got FLOODED with
email about the same...

All I did was post a "review" of the new JAE Anthology after I bought it at a
local CD store. I received many emails saying simply, "Where can I get a
copy?" Now, stop and think... What is that question supposed to mean??? I
live in the garbage state (NJ), person X lives in ??? (The rumor that I have
a chrystal ball, just isn't true...) Now, comes the part where I say, Gee,
where do you live? "Arizona." hMMM... I don't know any CD stores out there.
"Well, I saw a mail order number on the list, but that was a few days ago..."
Well, how can I help you? "Do you have the #???" No. Do you have a telephone
and a phone book? "Yeah, why???" Do you know how to use it? "What's that
supposed to mean?" Pick up the phone and start calling around... Have you
tried the JAE Web Page for more information? "No. Was I supposed to?" Well,
if you really want the thing, I'd think you'd want to put some effort into
locating it. I don't have one to give you and I don't sell CDs... "Fine, be a
jerk!"

This is the kinda crap I get! Some people want you to do EVERYTHING for them
and when you try to help them help themselves, THEY get angry. Unfortunately,
this has a tendency to "spill over" and people as you say, don't know what's
really going on. 
Personally, I *like* helping good, well intentioned, decent people. There are
other people on the list who've been through this before me (pre-list) and
don't post here for this very reason. If you ask for reasonable information,
most likely you'll get it. If you think you're "entitled" to something, most
likely you'll get nothing. I expect nothing from nobody. If I get something,
I'm gratefull and appreciative. If I don't, so be it. It's really pretty
simple...

- -wf