Newbie Gripes & Complaints About "The Experts"

[AlecWest]

Hello. I've been on VideoHelp.com for just under three years. And, I decided to start this thread for two reasons ... first, as a place where persons new to video could vent their frustrations in dealing with "experts" ... and secondly, because I felt the topic title itself would guarantee that "experts" would show up out of curiosity, some with their claws drawn and teeth bared. Anyhoo, my thoughts.

To the "Newbie" - When I worked as a claims analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield, there was a company joke that went something like this:

Question: If you were standing outside the office at quitting time, and when employees started coming out the door, how could you tell the difference between claims analysts and customer service clerks?

Answer: The claims analysts went straight to their cars. The customer service clerks went straight to their bars.

When you come to the VideoHelp.com forum searching for answers to questions, keep in mind that in most cases, your question is not unique. It has been asked over, and over, and over again many times in the past. While the "experts" will likely answer your question, it's important to remember that these "experts" have one difference from the customer service clerks at Blue Cross Blue Shield ... they're unpaid volunteers. They don't have to be here. The fact that they ARE here means that, deep-down, they give a damn. If an answer they give you does not jive with your interpretation of the "facts," search through the forums for people whose opinions DO jive with yours. If you don't find them, maybe your interpretations are off-base. Even if you do find them, be gentle with the experts. First, the people whose opinions DO jive with yours could be just as off-base as you are. Secondly, your "facts" may be correct ... but the expert may have chosen a different method to perform a function than you have chosen. That doesn't make the expert wrong. It just makes them different.

To the "Experts" - To tell you the truth, I don't have any specific gripes or complaints. Although I do have an item on my "wish list" of something I'd like to see here at VideoHelp.com. For a moment (and try very hard), imagine that you are a NOOB. Now, go to the VideoHelp.com homepage as if it was the FIRST time you'd ever visited it. A bit daunting, isn't it? I wish I was competent enough to do this but, frankly, I'm not. But, I'd like to see an icon put prominently at the top of that page reading NEW TO VIDEOHELP.COM? CLICK HERE FIRST! And clicking on that icon would take the newbie to a brief guide, telling them what this site IS and what this site IS NOT ... a brief overview of a sitemap, showing where things can be found ... and giving a brief overview of video in terminology that a newbie can understand.

Would it stop "all" silly questions? No. But, it might empower the newbie to go to the right place to find an answer. Off pulpit. 8)

[makntraks]

Nice diatribe..... but if they don't use the "SEARCH" feature PROMINENTLY displayed at the top of most every page, then I don't see the link you describe as any more functional.

A n00b just wants an answer and will wait as little time as possible getting it.......

Again I like the idea but in reality....meh...

makntraks

[leebo]

Not only have you not addressed your own topic, you haven't even told us why I can't fit The Matrix on a blank DVD!!! It keeps saying not enough room on target disc.

[canadateck]

When they Sign up, they have to wait 2 or 3 days Right? what does it say in the email they get?

[AlecWest]

When they Sign up, they have to wait 2 or 3 days Right? what does it say in the email they get?

Not sure. The email I received was almost 3 years ago and I can't remember what it said. The email they receive now? Not sure what's in it. But, show me the place on the homepage where the newbie can, as you say, "Sign up."

[jimmalenko]

I've already had my rant, and that is displayed here for all and sundry. Due to this, my contributions to this thread will be minimal, as I feel that I have communicated my views sufficiently in that thread.


However...

I may be a bit old-school, out of my league and before my time on this, but do you know how I learnt all that I know ?

• Reading.
• Searching.
• Experimentation.
• More reading.
• Asking questions when I got stuck.
• More experimentation.
• More reading.

... and so on ...

Quite simple really

Most of the problems stem from people who don't wish to learn. They understand nothing about video, and want to keep it that way. They just want some all-in-one tool that will magically take anything they throw at it and know exactly what to do with it as if it's a mind-reader, all after only 1 click.

FACT: Video is complex.

I give you this analogy:
Most people don't walk into a calculus exam (or any exam, for that matter) without hours of study, comprising of reading, practice and overall preparation. Video is no different.

[canadateck]

When they Sign up, they have to wait 2 or 3 days Right? what does it say in the email they get?

Not sure. The email I received was almost 3 years ago and I can't remember what it said. The email they receive now? Not sure what's in it. But, show me the place on the homepage where the newbie can, as you say, "Sign up."

I have no Idea where it is,is that your Point? I cant find it,but they can

[bazooka]

I've already had my rant, and that is displayed here for all and sundry. Due to this, my contributions to this thread will be minimal, as I feel that I have communicated my views sufficiently in that thread.


However...

I may be a bit old-school, out of my league and before my time on this, but do you know how I learnt as much as I know ?

• Reading.
• Searching.
• Experimentation.
• More reading.
• Asking questions when I got stuck.
• More experimentation.
• More reading.

... and so on ...

Quite simple really

Most of the problems stem from people who don't wish to learn. They understand nothing about video, and want to keep it that way. They just want some all-in-one tool that will magically take anything they throw at it and know exactly what to do with it as if it's a mind-reader, all after only 1 click.

FACT: Video is complex.

I give you this analogy:
Most people don't walk into a calculus exam (or any exam, for that matter) without hours of study, comprising of reading, practice and overall preparation. Video is no different.

Great job Jim

[AlecWest]

I give you this analogy:
Most people don't walk into a calculus exam (or any exam, for that matter) without hours of study, comprising of reading, practice and overall preparation. Video is no different.

I agree. And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

[bazooka]

I give you this analogy:
Most people don't walk into a calculus exam (or any exam, for that matter) without hours of study, comprising of reading, practice and overall preparation. Video is no different.

I agree. And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

They can get it within reason, but in order to help someone, that someone must be willing to help themself.

[jimmalenko]

And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

Thankyou, that illustrates a point nicely ...

When you go to a library, do you go browsing (or use some sort of searching facility), or do you ask the librarian straight out where something is ?
... and what will most of them tell you if you do ? You got it - use the catalog

[AlecWest]

I give you this analogy:
Most people don't walk into a calculus exam (or any exam, for that matter) without hours of study, comprising of reading, practice and overall preparation. Video is no different.

I agree. And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

They can get it within reason, but in order to help someone, that someone must be willing to help themself.

Very true.

[Goober57]

Everybody is a newbie because nobody is an expert!

______________

[AlecWest]

And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

Thankyou, that illustrates a point nicely ...

When you go to a library, do you go browsing (or use some sort of searching facility), or do you ask the librarian straight out where something is ?

It depends upon whether its something I have some knowledge about or whether I'm a totally clueless NOOB.

[yoda313]

Everybody is a newbie because nobody is an expert!

______________

Hello,

I think you mean everyone is a newbie once! Sure you can't be a 100% expert on 100% of ALL the software and hardware out there. But you can be VERY EDUCATED about a LOT of things. Those of us help point the total noobs into the right direction in hopes that they will take the time to read the very minimum that they need to understand the procedures they need to learn. If they don't want to read than they won't learn. Simple as that.

Kevin

[AlecWest]

Those of us help point the total noobs into the right direction in hopes that they will take the time to read the very minimum that they need to understand the procedures they need to learn. If they don't want to read than they won't learn. Simple as that.

Kevin

Exactamundo!

[yoda313]

Those of us help point the total noobs into the right direction in hopes that they will take the time to read the very minimum that they need to understand the procedures they need to learn. If they don't want to read than they won't learn. Simple as that.

Kevin

Exactamundo!

Hello,

Glad you agree

Reading is the beginning of wisdom

Kevin

[bazooka]

And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

Thankyou, that illustrates a point nicely ...

When you go to a library, do you go browsing (or use some sort of searching facility), or do you ask the librarian straight out where something is ?

It depends upon whether its something I have some knowledge about or whether I'm a totally clueless NOOB.

That is what the card catalogue is for.

[lordsmurf]

And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

Thankyou, that illustrates a point nicely ...

When you go to a library, do you go browsing (or use some sort of searching facility), or do you ask the librarian straight out where something is ?
... and what will most of them tell you if you do ? You got it - use the catalog

I can see it now.
We'll say college student age.
Walks into library. Go up to librarian:


"Hi. I have this assignment. I don't know what to do. Can you help?"

"Sure. What's it about?"

"Video."

"Well we have a whole section on video. Our card catalog is online. The search function is at the top of the page. Type in 'video' and it'll get you started."

"Okay." (walks away, walks back 2 minutes later)
"That's a lot of stuff to read. I have a lot of work to do. Can I get a quick answer?"

"Maybe. Give me some details. I'll try, or at least point you in the right direction."

"It's about video."

"Okay. And what else?"

"Umm.... I don't know. Here can you read my assignment and figure it out?"

(Now quite huffy of a mood.) "Sure. Hand it here."

The question at the end of a 3-page stapled paper reads: "Now take the info in the previous two pages, and get one help manual from the library. Capture a 5-minute video, author with a simple menu, and burn. Bring DVD to class next Friday."

"Did you read these pages yet? It says right here what to do. And it lists out about 25 help manuals with card catalog numbers. You can walk right up to the shelf and pick one up and get started." (Obviously very pissed because the jerk wasted her time.)

"No. That's too much stuff. I just need to know how to make the DVD."

"Look, I have other people to help. You have what you need, so I suggest you go and read it."

"F--- you! I need some help, your highness. Why is this so hard? Why can't you help me. This is hard. I'm confused."

"I just did. Read. Now be on your way or I'll have you escorted out."

[AlecWest]

Those of us help point the total noobs into the right direction in hopes that they will take the time to read the very minimum that they need to understand the procedures they need to learn. If they don't want to read than they won't learn. Simple as that.

Kevin

Exactamundo!

Hello,

Glad you agree

Reading is the beginning of wisdom

Kevin

Your last line ... the "beginning" of wisdom ... is right on the money. Example. You might remember a question I posted regarding a specific Sony DVD player as to what media might be compatible with it. You responded by pointing me to the guide page on the player (and calling me a NOOB at the same time, hehehe). But, I'd already been to the guide and found this there:



Afterward, I started making posts to other areas based on what I'd read, asking if there was any truth to what this guy said. The guide was the beginning ... but the truth came out later ... that media might not be the problem, that my burning method might be. And later on, I discovered the specifics. That the guy's use of the "redbook" word was offbase, that not all Nero burns are created equal (more than one way to burn), and so forth. It was then I suggested that "mileage" was the solution to most newbie problems ... being around here long enough to separate the fact from the fiction.

[tekkieman]

Excellent ls!

Now that should be a sticky!

[AlecWest]

"F--- you! I need some help, your highness. Why is this so hard? Why can't you help me. This is hard. I'm confused."

"I just did. Read. Now be on your way or I'll have you escorted out."

If most noobs were like that, either they'd get ignored very quickly or referred to this guide. But, I don't think these kind of people are the majority.

[lordsmurf]

I agree. And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

No... not quite.

This is a library online. Nothing more. It has "librarians" (mods, experts, long time users) and others walking around looking for information (typical members). That's the help base.

If somebody needs a one-on-one teacher (what some like to call "hand holding") then they need to find people to do that (almost always a paid service, and rightly so). They cannot expect to come here and get such service. That's not what this site is about, judging from the layout and general consensus of users. They may get lucky, but it cannot be expected.

"F--- you! I need some help, your highness. Why is this so hard? Why can't you help me. This is hard. I'm confused."

"I just did. Read. Now be on your way or I'll have you escorted out."

If most noobs were like that, either they'd get ignored very quickly or referred to this guide. But, I don't think these kind of people are the majority.

True ... but even a modified
"Why is this so hard? Why can't you help me. This is hard. I'm confused. Help me. What's next."
is just as pathetic. Kinder, no language, but still obnoxious and lazy.

[tekkieman]

"F--- you! I need some help, your highness. Why is this so hard? Why can't you help me. This is hard. I'm confused."

"I just did. Read. Now be on your way or I'll have you escorted out."

If most noobs were like that, either they'd get ignored very quickly or referred to this guide. But, I don't think these kind of people are the majority.

Maybe not on the first post, but it typically follows the progression ls set out.

[AlecWest]

Maybe not on the first post, but it typically follows the progression ls set out.

Hmm ... that would make an excellent poll for mods ... how they would classify the majority of noobs, from inquisitive and persistent -- all the way down to rude, obnoxious and lazy.

[AlecWest]

And most of that study and reading is assigned by someone who guides them toward their goal (teachers, librarians, etc.). Some people who come to VideoHelp.com assume it's here that they'll find that guidance.

Thankyou, that illustrates a point nicely ...

When you go to a library, do you go browsing (or use some sort of searching facility), or do you ask the librarian straight out where something is ?

It depends upon whether its something I have some knowledge about or whether I'm a totally clueless NOOB.

That is what the card catalogue is for.

Good point. But, if someone is a totally clueless noob, how would they know which card to pull? The term "UDF" was not even in my vocabulary until you mentioned it (thank you, by the way).

[EvilWizardGlick]

Everybody is a newbie because nobody is an expert!

______________

How true. And all are biased with the " That is the way it has always been done" mentality.
Just because you learned on a program that is now your favorite does not mean it is the best or easiest to use.

[AlecWest]

When they Sign up, they have to wait 2 or 3 days Right? what does it say in the email they get?

Not sure. The email I received was almost 3 years ago and I can't remember what it said. The email they receive now? Not sure what's in it. But, show me the place on the homepage where the newbie can, as you say, "Sign up."

I have no Idea where it is,is that your Point?

Yup.

[bazooka]

Everybody is a newbie because nobody is an expert!

______________

How true. And all are biased with the " That is the way it has always been done" mentality.
Just because you learned on a program that is now your favorite does not mean it is the best or easiest to use.

We never said it was the best. There is no best. There are tons of different ways to do something and it is highly subjective. Everyone is going to tell you something different. You just proved my point. I had my own rant about this very subject.

[AlecWest]

Everybody is a newbie because nobody is an expert!

______________

How true. And all are biased with the " That is the way it has always been done" mentality. Just because you learned on a program that is now your favorite does not mean it is the best or easiest to use.

Very true. This is not meant to diss Nero but Nero was they tool I'd always used to burn ... anything. So, every question I asked surrounding burning assumed that Nero would be part of the process. And as the song in "Porgy and Bess" goes, "It ain't necessarily so."