S.O.S. Forum needed (Help needed Now)

[Michaelangelica]

> The poor kid who needs help with the Science Fair project really
> needs some help.
> I'm stuck
> Is there anyway of sending out a general SOS to all members so they
> can have a look at the problem for him?
> It needs a bit of concentrated brainpower and some creativity!
> http://hypography.com/forums/science...-new-post.html


Sent the above message to hypograpy staff.

Aparently nothing can be done.
Any ideas?

(If kids are going to ask for homework help here we need to be able to respond.Otherwise tell them to go elsewhere- which would be a pity given the amazing collective brain-power here! )

[Eclogite]

The following thoughts are intended for consideration, not necessarily as a recommendation to action, or inaction. I am still new on these forums (I'm sure that should be fora) and have not absorbed all of the group gestalt. Also, while I like to think of myself of radical and innovative, I'm probably a conservative old codger at heart. That's by way of background.

I have a certain lack of sympathy for those who appear, often with their first post, pleading for help in an abrupt, poorly written request, as short on details as it is politeness. Now I am not saying all requests for help fit this pattern, but many do.

When an individual asks for help in a timely fashion, demonstrates that they have made some effort to solve the problem themselves, and is looking for guidance rather than complete solutions, then we should be offering maximum help in minimum time.

My inclination for the others is to suggest they indulge in better planning in future. Should we be encouraging eleventh hour thinking and the 'you have to help me, I'm in need' mentality?

Just some thoughts.

[Tormod]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

If kids are going to ask for homework help here we need to be able to respond.Otherwise tell them to go elsewhere- which would be a pity given the amazing collective brain-power here!

We do have a science projects / homework help forum. It is there to be used, and is being used.

Like Eclogite states, we are not here primarily as a homework solver, but there are plenty of people around to help those who struggle and try to figure things out.

So tell us what you have done and what you need help with, and you might get help.

[Michaelangelica]

Originally Posted by Eclogite

I have a certain lack of sympathy for those who appear, often with their first post, pleading for help in an abrupt, poorly written request, as short on details as it is politeness. Now I am not saying all requests for help fit this pattern, but many do.

Sorry to sound shrill.
The urgency was mine not the student's.
Who is still waiting patietly
See given link.

[Tormod]

Why, I think you're doing a good job with that thread as it is. What is lacking?

[Michaelangelica]

Thanks Tormod
But I can't think of an answer to his question.
It iseems a very a hard ask for a junior science course.

[Eclogite]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

Sorry to sound shrill.
The urgency was mine not the student's.
Who is still waiting patietly
See given link.

I didn't think you sounded shrill. My remarks were not directed at that specific request. (I think I looked at it when he first posted and felt I could not adequately answer it.)
It was more a case of your opening post triggering some thoughts I had been harbouring for a while.