Do you want to ask a question on the Internet, but do not know how to get it answered? You have to be able to ask questions, it's not that simple. To do this, you need to try a little, because not everything in life is easy. Read this article to find out exactly how and where to ask a question so that you get the desired answer to it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Find the answer to your question
Step 1. Look for the answer to your question in a search engine
Before asking your question on a website or forum, see if it has already been answered. Try entering your question into a google search engine. Review the results. You can phrase your search query in different ways. For example, in the form of a question. Or try a keyword search.
- Search the internet for an answer before asking a question, this is very important. If the answer to your question is already on the web, you may not be answered or even made a comment when you ask your question.
- If you want to find information on a specific site, add the phrase "site: sitename.com" before the request. Google will only show results for this site.
Step 2. Suppose this question has already been asked before
The Internet is just huge, so you are unlikely to be the first person in the world to have such a question. Try searching the web for similar questions and answers. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
Step 3. Check the FAQ (Questions and Answers) sections
Many sites, services and companies have FAQ sections (Frequently Asked Questions, in translation) on their pages and sites. There you can find answers to many questions of concern to the clientele and the global Internet community in general.
Step 4. You may be able to find partial answers to the question that interests you
You can use this information you find to better formulate a question that worries you, if you still decide to ask it on one of the forums on the Internet. This will show the forum users that you are seriously interested in this topic and you are already partly aware of it, or at least you have already looked for answers to your question on the Internet, and all is unsuccessful. This will help them answer your question more accurately.
Part 2 of 3: Where to ask your question
Step 1. Understand your question
What area of knowledge does it belong to? For example, you have a question about computers and need expert help. Or your question is related to household chores, such as building or renovating a house. Then you need to look for answers on the relevant sites.
Step 2. After you have decided on the field of knowledge, clarify the topic that interests you
For example, if you have a computer question, decide what kind it is. Need help with Windows? Look for Windows experts. If you need help using a program like Photoshop, find a Photoshop expert, preferably on the program's website.
Step 3. Find a forum where your topic is discussed
Enter your topic or industry name into a Google search engine by adding the word "forum" at the end of your query. For example, if you need help with Photoshop, post a request for "Photoshop forum".
Almost all forums require registration. Otherwise, you will not be able to ask the question
Step 4. Find a chat dedicated to the topic you are interested in
This is an alternative to forums. Here you can get an answer immediately, as the communication takes place in real time. The most popular English-language (mostly) chat is Internet Relay Chat (IRC), it has a huge number of rooms with various topics for communication. Anything!
Step 5. Use dedicated sites for questions
There are several popular sites on the Internet that have been created specifically to answer various questions. You can ask any question on any topic. These sites are useful, especially if your question is not too specific. Of course, you will not find an expert on such a site, but there are at least a dime a dozen of amateur specialists there. Here are examples of such sites:
- Stack Exchange
- Ask.com
- Yahoo Answers
- Quora
- Wiki Answers
Step 6. Look at the communication style of the forum you have opened
Each site has its own rules and its own communication system. Read other users' questions to figure out how to ask yours. Once you get a little familiar with local etiquette, you can frame your question correctly and get a quick and good answer.
Part 3 of 3: Formulating the Question
Step 1. The title of the post should be an abbreviated version of your question
When you create a new forum post, pay attention to the title first. Then describe all the details that are known and pertinent here within the post to make it easier for forum users to understand and answer your question.
For example, "Windows won't start" is not a good name. Instead, write something more detailed, for example: "Windows 7 does not start, when you turn on the computer, the following error message appears:"
Step 2. Then pay attention to the text of the question
After you've chosen a title for your post question, write the body of the question. Here you need to describe in detail the problem you faced, everything that you tried to do in order to fix it, and also what came of it. Indicate the sources from which you received the information you are using. The more details you provide in the question, the more accurate the answer will be.
If you are asking a technical question, please provide detailed information about the program or system you are using. For example, indicate the characteristics of your system, its version, etc., as well as any error messages that you got. If the question is about an automotive subject, include the model number and year, as well as the part of the vehicle with which you are having problems
Step 3. Write politely and clearly
If you don't make grammatical mistakes, the likelihood of getting a good answer to your question will increase. Don't use too many exclamation marks and swear words. Write correctly.
Don't use abbreviations and slang. Do not write in caps lock (in capital letters)
Step 4. Ask once
Don't post the same question ten times. If you have several different questions, create a separate post for each one. This will help forum readers to focus on one issue and give it their full attention. Otherwise, your post may simply be deleted, or you simply will not receive a response.
Step 5. There is a chance that you will not receive an answer, or you will not like the answer
It's OK. There is no need to get angry and annoyed, as well as write rude answers.
Step 6. Thank those who answered your question
If someone gave a good answer, be sure to thank them for their help. It will also help other people who may have a similar problem and will search the internet for a solution.
Step 7. Don't give up
If you don't get answers, try asking the question differently. Or post it on another forum. Is it very difficult or impossible to answer your question? Maybe the answer is easy to find in a search engine? Try asking the question elsewhere.