There's a useful resource on asking questions in technical communities here: http://catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html I think it might be relevant because my interpretation is that it discusses framing one's question as an intellectual, learning, adventure and inviting the community to come on your adventure. Part of doing that is convincing people that you are on an adventure, showing that you have done some initial work, showing the dead ends you've come to and seeking a boost forward from the community that will take you places that the community wants to go. No doubt effective question asking and discussion prompting on academic listservs is different in lots of interesting ways but perhaps the framing above could help. I look forward to the guide. Cheers, James On Dec 9, 2006, at 8:24 PM, Barry Wellman wrote:
I'm gearing up to write a book on writing for the social scientists.
I want to put in something about how to write in listservs, chat groups, IM, etc.
I was struck this week by Abigail's Q (see below) which I thought was a good example on how NOT to answer a question, because it was so broadly framed: what is it about time that Abigail is interested in? (dissertation advising manta).
Yet, I have been struck by how much interesting discussion Abigail's Q has evoked. For one thing, there ain't much on time (altho did anyone mention Evitar Zeruvabel?), so anything might be worthwhile. Second, the broadness of the Q seems to have served as a projective test -- evoking a variety of responses.
So, I am lead to wonder and to ask: what tips do people have for posting to lists?
My quick guide is:
1. Be specific as to content and need.
2. Lurk on the list for a while to get a sense of its style.
3. Try to post something else first, so that you are contributing as well as asking for information.
PS: I'd like to endorse Frank Thomas' request for evidence on Virillo's conjectures.
Barry Wellman _____________________________________________________________________
Barry Wellman S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology NetLab Director Centre for Urban & Community Studies University of Toronto 455 Spadina Avenue Toronto Canada M5S 2G8 fax:+1-416-978-7162 wellman at chass.utoronto.ca http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman for fun: http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php _____________________________________________________________________
On 12/7/06, Abigail Groves wrote:
Hi all, I am writing about the internet and its effects on time. I was
wondering
if anyone could suggest some readings on this topic?
Thanks,
Abigail Groves
PhD Candidate National Centre in HIV Social Research University of NSW http://nchsr.unsw.edu.au
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