I agree with both sides here which don't make to much sense but you all make valid points. Me i will help anyway i can ( Martin proved that with the link
) i don't mind answering question day in and out even if the same, i will link to posts that I've answered before as it saves writing it out again maybe that's a bit lazy but still it answer the question, where as many just get bored with the repetitiveness of it all.
Bait boats are a good example of the common question , which i did suggested a while back to Martin that maybe they should have there own section, but as the questions really are the same there is no point, just refer them to previous posts that answer the questions they ask.
Skill levels among people are varied, i like to think I'm in just below the professional level, (few more years needed yet.) But the knowledge is there and i don't mind sharing it. I've worked in the design and manufacturing areas for over 10 years now i have something to fall back on, where as many don't have that luxury or level of education in these area's, we forget that a lot of people doing these hobbies simply work in factory's or behind shop counters with very little or no education in design, mechanical, engineering etc. I have 2 of those 3 skills and i still worked in a factory for years until it was spotted i knew more then i let on.
This is why i wrote the 'using the search Facility' topic, (re-written by Martin) to encourage new people with some 'self help' and why i wrote the post which Martin refured to with the links the right places to help with out repetitive posting, its still help at the end of the day and in the right way.
I have a few motto's and one i use a lot ' If you don't have a go you will never learn' I have have no issues with showing or telling or doing it for someone, how its done right or wrong, but after a period of time i would expect this person to attempt it themselves and only look for reassurance of what there doing is right, then have the work done for them.
I don't know ifs its laziness, lack of effort to learn, lack of effort to try or they simply they don't know, but when a questions asked here isn't it better to answer it, even if its linking to places they may not have expected which will inevitably help them in the long run, i believe so.
Our hobbies are in threat of being killed off by not encouraging people to take it up, i've heard comments recently that '' oh modelling is an old man's hobby'' but at a recent show last weekend i had a few children no more then 5-8 ask me for a go on my tug which i let them, i encourage my daughter to do it, and i will my son once he's at an age where he can understand better. If i can get 1 person in my entire life to take up the hobby (even if its not boating) i know i did something right.
Schools no longer teach basic skills in metal work, the wood work they might learn is pathetic to be honest and a failing on the governments and educators side which i do think needs addressing.
Computers seam to be a way of life that's far to addictive in this day and age I've said this before, but in this instance with the forum if directed properly can and should be an invaluable source of information where people can learn, but its up to US to encourage that.
Lol that was long winded