Have you ever asked a question on the internet, only to be ridiculed and ridiculed, or even ignored? Asking anonymous questions is much more of an art form. You can't just ask a question and expect it to be answered; structure your questions. See Step 1 below to start learning how to ask questions to be answered.
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Part 1 of 3: Looking for Answers
Step 1. Search the web for the answer to your question
Before asking someone else to answer your question, try to Google your question first. You can search by keyword alone, or even formulate your search in the form of a question.
- It's important to find out for yourself before asking. If the answer to your question is easy to find, other people may ridicule you for asking the question.
- If you want to search for information on a specific site, add "site:exampleweb.com" at the end of the search phrase. Google will only provide results from those sites.
Step 2. Assume your question has been asked before
The internet is a vast place, it is possible that you are not the first person to have a similar question. Take the time to look for answers that already exist. This can save you a lot of time and trouble that will arise.
Step 3. See the FAQ page
Many products and services have an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on their web page. This page can provide quick answers to frequently asked questions about the product. Find the FAQ page on the topic you want, if available.
Step 4. Record partial answers
If you find a number of resources that help but don't completely solve your problem, write down all of the answers. You can use these answers when formulating your question to show that you've looked it up yourself and help them narrow down their response.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Right Place to Ask
Step 1. Check your question
Determine the general area of knowledge required for your question. For example, if you have a computer question, it would be best if a technologist answered it. If your question relates to home improvement, it is better to get that information from a contractor.
Step 2. Narrow down the general field for your question
Once you know the general area for your question, take a look and find out what niche is a good fit. There are a number of subfields within each question area. For example, if your technology question is about how to use Windows, focus on Windows experts. If your question is about a Windows-only program like Photoshop, look for a Photoshop expert and not a Windows expert.
Step 3. Search forums related to the question field
Enter your category in a Google search and add the word "forum". For example, if you have to ask a Photoshop question, type "Photoshop forums".
Most forums require you to register for a free account before you can ask questions
Step 4. Find a dedicated chat room for the topic of your question
In addition to forums, you may be able to find faster responses by joining chat rooms dedicated to your topic. The most popular chat room network is Internet Relay Chat (IRC), which contains a number of interesting chat rooms on a specific topic.
Step 5. Use popular question sites
There are several sites where you can post questions in the hope that they will be answered. These sites are suitable for getting answers to common questions, but do not rule out questions of a technical nature. It should be noted that the answers provided may not be reliable. Some of the popular sites include:
- Stack Exchange
- Ask.com
- Yahoo Answers
- Quora
- Wiki Answers
Step 6. Understand the culture of using the forum
Each internet community has its own style and set of rules, whether written or not. Spend some time reading other messages before creating your own to help you learn forum etiquette. Knowing how to ask questions that fit the culture of the forum will go a long way in getting the answers you need.
Part 3 of 3: Formulating the Question
Step 1. Write a short question title
When asking in forums, make the title of the message as specific and clear as possible. You can use the body of the message to add details, but readers should be able to understand your question just by looking at the title.
For example, "Windows won't show up" is not a good title. Instead, be a little more specific: "Windows 7 won't start, computer starts up but the following error message appears:"
Step 2. Write the details in the body of the message
After writing the title, explain the details in the body of the message. Write down the problems that arise and the steps you have tried. Also list any sources of information you have seen. The more specific you are, the more helpful the reply to your question will be.
If you're asking a technical question, be sure to provide precise information about what you're using. For example, for a computer-related question, write down your operating system, system specifications, and any error messages that appear. For car inquiries, be sure to note the make and model, as well as the part of the car that has the problem
Step 3. Write politely and clearly
You will get further responses if your message is written in good and clear grammar. Avoid too many exclamation points, and avoid cursing (even if you're already very dizzy!). Let readers know if the forum language isn't your first language, and apologize for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Avoid internet abbreviations and slang. For example, don't replace "you/you" with "elo", and don't use ALL CAPS, as this is tantamount to screaming
Step 4. Ask one question in each message
If you run into multiple issues, limit each message to one question. This will help the reader focus on the issue and provide clear advice. If a reader sees your question, then opens your message and sees five more questions, he or she may not respond at all.
Step 5. Keep your mind open
It is possible that you will not like the answer you receive. It's also possible that the answer you don't like is the only answer available. Keep an open mind about the response, and avoid getting defensive.
Step 6. Say thank you
If one of the readers has solved your question, be sure to thank him or her and write that the problem has been solved. This will help others with a similar problem to quickly see what needs to be done to fix it, and the acknowledgment will encourage readers to continue answering other people's questions.
Step 7. Don't give up
If you do not receive an answer, or the response is unsatisfactory, check your question. Is it specific enough? Are you asking too many questions? Is the answer easy to find with a web search? Is this question impossible to answer? Repeat your question and then ask it again, either in the same place or in a new place.
