This is a must-read for all users posting to the JavaScript forum, especially if you're looking to get help. A lot of you are posting in a manner that makes it extremely difficult- if not impossible- to respond to. Below are a list of posting guidelines and tips we ask that you please read- and FOLLOW- when asking for help:

1) Type in a subject that summarizes your question!- The fastest way to turn off other members wanting to help you is to type an incomplete or silly subject for your post. Examples of poor subject titles include:

- "Help!"
- "I'm a newbie...please!"
- "Is this possible using JavaScript?"
- "loops"
- "Urgent...deadline tomorrow!"
- "A challenge for you JavaScript masters"

The above subjects either have absolutely nothing to do with the question itself, or are grossly incomplete (ie: "loops"). When asking for help, enter a subject that summarizes your question, period! Don't use silly, incomplete, or "bait" subjects.

2) Be descriptive and articulate when asking your question! Some of you are posting as if we're all psychics, and are supposed to grasp your question with the little or confusing information you've provided in your question. We cannot read your mind, and putting up a post like "Can someone help me with arrays?" or "How can I get the slide-in slideshow to work on my site?" is not nearly enough information to go by. What exactly do you want to know about arrays? Which slide-in slideshow are you referring to (the one written by Bill Gates?)? Set us up with some crucial background information, what you want to do, and what the problem is. Be concise and precise.

Also when posting, understand that you're trying to convince others to help you. Be articulate and have respect for the English language! Check for spelling/grammar mistakes, and try and format your question and code in an easily legible manner. Big tip: Use the preview button often.

Bottom line- put yourself in our shoes, and try and phrase the question so it's clear and easy to respond to.

3) Do your homework first. Only post the part of the script you're having trouble with! There are generally two types of people- ones that simply dump their entire page or problem and expect everyone to spend hours solving everything for them, and those that do their own homework first, and only ask very specific, manageable questions. The later invariably gets more and better responses from others. When you're lazy, do not expect us to be hardworking for you.

As an example, lets say you're working on a long script that uses the "switch" statement of JavaScript, and it's returning errors. You could either:

i) Post the entire script and simply say "Please debug this script for me!"
ii) Or, localize the problem yourself first and post instead "Can someone tell me the syntax of the switch statement in JavaScript?"

The second question will get a LOT more quality responses, as it is concise, manageable, and not overwhelming. Remember, ask for the world, and you'll get nothing. Ask for a little, and you'll get a lot.

4) Use the search feature often to make sure your question isn't already answered- The longer this forum has been online, the more solutions it accumulates. Always search past posts first (using the search link to your upper right) to make sure your question isn't already answered. Use 1-2 keywords as the search terms.

5) Know the capabilities and limits of JavaScript before posting. Please familiarize yourself with what JavaScript can- and cannot do- before posting. Many people are posting JS questions that simply cannot be accomplished using the language, period. JavaScript is a client side language, and cannot manipulate the server end in any way, such as saving data to the server, accessing a database etc. JavaScript works strictly on the user end, such as popping up a window, applying an image rollover effect, or determining user screen resolution (*without* the ability to pass this info back to the server).

If JavaScript is completely new to you, please familiarize yourself somewhat with the language.

6) Be appreciative and follow up when getting a response. Everyone here is volunterring their time to help out others. The least you can do is be appreciative and follow up when getting a helpful response. If you've solved your problem, let people know so they don't continue spending time on your question. Saying a little "thank you" goes a long way.
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-Admin