writing effective questions to lists
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
Wow, Barry. I think we're in the same place, although I would describe it differently. Your "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." -- As co-editor of one of the longest continuously-transmitting email newsletters ("SCUP Email News," since 1987) and administrator of one of the best email discussion lists (UWEBD, University and College Webmasters), I would like to also note that the more specific and pragmatic the focus of the list, the more active it will be. 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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http:// listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
Barry Wellman wrote:
... 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. ...
Shouldn't the order here be 2, 3, 1 ??? -- Mark D. Johns, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Communication Studies Luther College, Decorah, Iowa USA http://academic.luther.edu/~johnsmar/ ----------------------------------------------- "Get the facts first. You can distort them later." ---Mark Twain
in the geek sphere one of the texts for this is: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way http://catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html in regards to empirical research, virilio's cultural analysis is empirical research, perhaps you mean... quantitative analysis? Jeremy Hunsinger School of Library and Information Science Pratt Institute () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://www.aoir.org The Association of Internet Researchers http://www.stswiki.org/ stswiki http://cfp.learning-inquiry.info/ LI-the journal http://transdisciplinarystudies.tmttlt.com/ Transdisciplinary Studies:the book series
Barry, Great topic! I have a few additions to your guidelines: * A sense of humor helps so long as it does not distract too much from the question. * Present the question in such a way that it will be of interest to members of the list and within the guidelines. If you can't do this then the question does not belong on the list. * Avoid cross-posting. * A challenge as part of the content showing that you have done your homework often helps. I.E. I've found this and that, can anybody add to my knowledge. * Check and mention that you have checked the list archives to see if your question has been asked before. * An offer to share a compilation of results from all sources is also sometimes helpful. * Brief is usually better. Let us know what else you find out... Charlie In Dissertation Hell LSU - Instructional Technology -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Barry Wellman Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 7:25 PM To: aoir list Subject: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists 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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
great way to take control of the list and lay down the law on how others should post. keep marginalizing... r -- Radhika Gajjala Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator School of Communication Studies 302 West Hall Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH 43402 http://personal.bgsu.edu/~radhik/index2.html For queries about BGSU's School of Communication Studies Grad program, email comsgrad@bgsu.edu For info on the Theory Research cluster at SCS - see http://scs.bgsu.edu/Research/ResearchClusters/theory.php
Hi all, I have been a member of this list for several years and as an unpublished graduate student, have lacked the confidence to contribute to discussion. This was, in fact, the first time I have posted. Being informed that my post was a 'good example of how not to ask questions' on a discussion list (!?!) is not likely to encourage my further participation. Thanks to those who responded to my query, which was deliberately broad. Your suggestions have provided a useful reading list for my as-yet-unformed research into this subject. Abi Quoting Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca>:
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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- Abigail Groves phd candidate National Centre in HIV Social Research UNSW Sydney 2052
Abi! In fact you can never be doing it the right way. Mailing lists are sometimes like search engines: "[...] the User needs to know what he wants to search for" Probably you will struggle on the first "Try to find an answer...." thingy! So if you don't know how and what to ask for you need a starting point and that’s always hard if you're a newbie to an issue as you can't ask more specific. So ever heard about the term "mutability"? No, go and ask someone on a medical mailing list. They will probably start the same discussion. I know how hard it is to be on research for your own without "intensive" help from your advisors so keep posting, abi! -Tom PhD Student Developer ScientificCommons.org -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Abigail Groves Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 12:44 AM To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists Hi all, I have been a member of this list for several years and as an unpublished graduate student, have lacked the confidence to contribute to discussion. This was, in fact, the first time I have posted. Being informed that my post was a 'good example of how not to ask questions' on a discussion list (!?!) is not likely to encourage my further participation. Thanks to those who responded to my query, which was deliberately broad. Your suggestions have provided a useful reading list for my as-yet-unformed research into this subject. Abi Quoting Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca>:
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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- Abigail Groves phd candidate National Centre in HIV Social Research UNSW Sydney 2052 _______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/ -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release Date: 09.12.2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release Date: 09.12.2006
Hey Abi, I support Tom's comment. Please don't be discouraged from asking questions. As a fellow grad student I've found lots of support from people on this list. But sometimes typing text can sound harsher than we mean it to be. paul teusner -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Nicolai Sent: Monday, 11 December 2006 11:41 To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists Abi! In fact you can never be doing it the right way. Mailing lists are sometimes like search engines: "[...] the User needs to know what he wants to search for" Probably you will struggle on the first "Try to find an answer...." thingy! So if you don't know how and what to ask for you need a starting point and that's always hard if you're a newbie to an issue as you can't ask more specific. So ever heard about the term "mutability"? No, go and ask someone on a medical mailing list. They will probably start the same discussion. I know how hard it is to be on research for your own without "intensive" help from your advisors so keep posting, abi! -Tom PhD Student Developer ScientificCommons.org -----Original Message----- From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org [mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Abigail Groves Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 12:44 AM To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists Hi all, I have been a member of this list for several years and as an unpublished graduate student, have lacked the confidence to contribute to discussion. This was, in fact, the first time I have posted. Being informed that my post was a 'good example of how not to ask questions' on a discussion list (!?!) is not likely to encourage my further participation. Thanks to those who responded to my query, which was deliberately broad. Your suggestions have provided a useful reading list for my as-yet-unformed research into this subject. Abi Quoting Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca>:
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
_______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- Abigail Groves phd candidate National Centre in HIV Social Research UNSW Sydney 2052 _______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/ -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release Date: 09.12.2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release Date: 09.12.2006 _______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
I'd agree with that, as a fairly new member of this list and also a PhD student. But to be fair, it is a good idea to try and narrow your enquiry down a bit - do some searches, find out the general territory before you post. Otherwise it can seem as if a post is being made here in lieu of doing a search - I don't necessarily mean you specifically, but maybe you can see it better if you think about the difference between the questions "Does anyone have any leads on material about the internet and time?" and "I've being looking at material on the internet and time, and I've found that Mary Smith and John Jones have both written on this, also some other people from a project at XYZ university. I'm interested especially in [a particular aspect of their research] - does anyone else have any more ideas or leads?" The second question moves you into the area of engaging in the discourse, entering the conversation and raising questions, instead of simply looking for answers. This isn't meant as a criticism, just as a general comment on something I have seen here more than once. M-H On 11/12/2006, at 11:46 AM, Paul Teusner wrote:
Hey Abi,
I support Tom's comment. Please don't be discouraged from asking questions. As a fellow grad student I've found lots of support from people on this list. But sometimes typing text can sound harsher than we mean it to be.
I don't think Abigail approached the question incorrectly at all. By throwing a vague question at a list of people who purportedly study the subject at hand, it allows a very broad take on the question. This sort of approach, I would hope, is regularly used in academia. Perhaps we would recognize it more easily by its common name - brainstorming. -Alexis On Mon, 11 Dec 2006, Paul Teusner wrote: ::Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:46:00 +1100 ::From: Paul Teusner <paul.teusner@rmit.edu.au> ::Reply-To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org ::To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org ::Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists :: ::Hey Abi, :: ::I support Tom's comment. Please don't be discouraged from asking questions. ::As a fellow grad student I've found lots of support from people on this ::list. But sometimes typing text can sound harsher than we mean it to be. :: ::paul teusner ::-----Original Message----- ::From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org ::[mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Nicolai ::Sent: Monday, 11 December 2006 11:41 ::To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org ::Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists :: ::Abi! :: ::In fact you can never be doing it the right way. Mailing ::lists are sometimes like search engines: :: ::"[...] the User needs to know what he wants to search for" :: ::Probably you will struggle on the first "Try to find an ::answer...." thingy! So if you don't know how and what to ask ::for you need a starting point and that's always hard if ::you're a newbie to an issue as you can't ask more specific. ::So ever heard about the term "mutability"? No, go and ask ::someone on a medical mailing list. They will probably start ::the same discussion. :: ::I know how hard it is to be on research for your own without ::"intensive" help from your advisors so keep posting, abi! :: ::-Tom ::PhD Student ::Developer ScientificCommons.org :: ::-----Original Message----- ::From: air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org ::[mailto:air-l-bounces@listserv.aoir.org] On Behalf Of ::Abigail Groves ::Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 12:44 AM ::To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org ::Subject: Re: [Air-l] writing effective questions to lists :: ::Hi all, ::I have been a member of this list for several years and as ::an unpublished ::graduate student, have lacked the confidence to contribute ::to discussion. This ::was, in fact, the first time I have posted. Being informed ::that my post was ::a 'good example of how not to ask questions' on a discussion ::list (!?!) is not ::likely to encourage my further participation. Thanks to ::those who responded to ::my query, which was deliberately broad. Your suggestions ::have provided a ::useful reading list for my as-yet-unformed research into ::this subject. ::Abi :: :: :: ::Quoting Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca>: :: ::> 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 ::> ::> ::> _______________________________________________ ::> The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list ::> is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers ::http://aoir.org ::> Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: ::> http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org ::> ::> Join the Association of Internet Researchers: ::> http://www.aoir.org/ ::> :: :: ::-- ::Abigail Groves ::phd candidate ::National Centre in HIV Social Research ::UNSW ::Sydney 2052 ::_______________________________________________ ::The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list ::is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers ::http://aoir.org ::Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: ::http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org :: ::Join the Association of Internet Researchers: ::http://www.aoir.org/ :: ::-- ::No virus found in this incoming message. ::Checked by AVG Free Edition. ::Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release ::Date: 09.12.2006 :: :: ::-- ::No virus found in this outgoing message. ::Checked by AVG Free Edition. ::Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.15/581 - Release ::Date: 09.12.2006 :: :: ::_______________________________________________ ::The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list ::is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org ::Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: ::http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org :: ::Join the Association of Internet Researchers: ::http://www.aoir.org/ :: :: ::_______________________________________________ ::The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list ::is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org ::Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org :: ::Join the Association of Internet Researchers: ::http://www.aoir.org/ ::
Dear Abi It is certainly sad to hear that you've 'lurked' for years and found no occasion on which you have the confidence to say anything (or nuthin'). I'm no academic, and find quite often that contributions and thoughts get no, and on the odd occasion dismissive, reactions. I thought it rathr hilarious to suggest that what you posted (in all its naivity, etc., etc :-) ) was an example (per our illustrious academic(s)) a "good example on how NOT to answer a question". It was of course both a good and a bad example of how not to ASK a question. The amswer you were given was 'crappy', if I may be allowed, although the recommendations as to how to pose questions is useful. Questions may be broad, simplistic, narrow, and frankly asinine. It's always worth thinking through what to ask, rather then being so broad and open so as to lead to people trying to figure out the usual - what, why, when etc. I'd say continue asking; think a bit more about what you're asking; and forget about the stuffed shirts. Dominic --- Abigail Groves <a.groves@student.unsw.edu.au> wrote:
Hi all, I have been a member of this list for several years and as an unpublished graduate student, have lacked the confidence to contribute to discussion. This was, in fact, the first time I have posted. Being informed that my post was a 'good example of how not to ask questions' on a discussion list (!?!) is not likely to encourage my further participation. Thanks to those who responded to my query, which was deliberately broad. Your suggestions have provided a useful reading list for my as-yet-unformed research into this subject. Abi
Quoting Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca>:
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:
<snip> Dominic Pinto BA MIEEE MCMI MRi FRSA http://www.ecademy.com/user/dominicpinto e-m: dominic.pinto@ieee.org M: +44 780 302-8268 Ph: +44 207 379-8341 In the U.S. M/Cell: +1 215 667-3001
participants (13)
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Abigail Groves -
Alexis Turner -
Barry Wellman -
Charlie Balch -
Dominic Pinto -
James Howison -
Jeremy Hunsinger -
Mark D. Johns -
Mary-Helen Ward -
Paul Teusner -
radhika gajjala -
Terry Calhoun -
Thomas Nicolai