Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? in Home Repair & Improvement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21556606 en Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:56:34 EDT Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:56:34 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21563207 cdru :
said by Jodokast96 See Profile :

As to SandShark See Profile's original point, I think that a forum with good, knowledgeable regulars know just where the line is, as shown in the link above. As every situation is a bit different, what may be ok in one may not be ok in a near identical case, but I have a pretty good feeling that most of you (good, knowledgeable, regulars that is) know a bad one when you see it, and will say enough is enough.
Agreed. Our resident subject matter experts know when enough is enough and usually say so. For the non resident experts, when bad advice is given they are usually called on it.

I much prefer it this way then in several other forums I've been too over the years where they provide essentially zero help to the average DIYer/non-industry individual even for things that are trivial, don't require formal education/training, and are relatively safe.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21563207 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:12:30 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21562540 JTC : One other thing I think needs to be noted regarding the thread that was closed (BTW, good call on that Dennis), is the forum we are in.

This is "Home Repair & Improvement". Not to belittle the OP of the thread, but that was a question about a commercial install. The chances of a home owner ever putting that kind of install in a residential setting as slim, if not outright against residential code.

I am all for trying to help a fellow homeowner wanting to fix something at their house, but that was severely above and beyond anything that should asked about in a home improvement forum, IMO.
--
All hardware sucks, all software sucks, some just suck more than others]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21562540 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:24:34 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561556 ctceo : Gotta Love it.

"Privacy, Whats that?" - US Patriot Act]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561556 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:31:12 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561501 wilbilt :
said by ninjatutle See Profile :

I hope DSLR doesn't sell us out if they subpoena any one of us. There should be a blanket clause on here stating they can't sue us even in the event of a death.
DSLR wouldn't have to sell us out. Our ISPs are already under orders to provide traffic history and monitoring to the feds on demand.
--
We were taking a vote when the ground came up and hit us.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561501 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:23:08 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561419 ctceo : Here in Indiana a person can be held responsible for actions taken by a person who is following the advice of that person.

Not sure about other states.

I agree that a small disclaimer should be posted, including that "actions taken by readers based on suggestions on the website, Private messages or e-mails derivative thereof are not the responsibility of Broadbandreports.com, it's employees or it's members", but know that even disclaimers are not always legally binding and in some cases automatically overruled by law.

edit:
Just Post a clickthrough before a person can post with an "I agree" button:
»/terms.html

--
YOUR ISP MAY BE CAPPING OR GETTING READY TO DO SO BY EARLY NEXT YEAR. LETS PUT A STOP TO THEM. »www.ipetitions.com/petition/PMDBI/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561419 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:08:03 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561249 Greg_Z : I like this one better:

Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. DIYChatroom.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any home improvement task!"http://www.diychatroom.com/showthread.php?t=33537]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21561249 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:34:53 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560990 HRM : Anyone who listens to me gets exactly what they paid for and worth every penny.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560990 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:40:18 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560930 jaa : ...on second thought, I've decided to stop giving advice. :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560930 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:25:19 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560584 CtrlAltDel : I am reminded of this thread, »Having our Kitchen Redone!!, where Ken See Profile questioned the OP about permits and inspections. Later in the thread I gave the OP the actual rules to follow when renovating a home in the City of Philadelphia because I was afraid that if the job was done in a shoddy manner and he had an electric fire and I was his neighbor, my house could catch fire.

Building permits and building inspections are mandatory for most work done in a large city and the posters should be reminded often the importance of such. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21560584 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:17:14 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559880 Warzau :
said by Dennis See Profile :

said by Warzau See Profile :

That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here.
Anon's get it every single time...
Gotcha!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559880 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:31:59 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559870 ninjatutle : Maybe we should just keep this forum for registered members. I've noticed this forum has picked up a lot of anons daily seeking help. This is a broadband site, not a DIY home fix it type of place. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559870 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:31:08 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559866 Dennis :
said by Warzau See Profile :

That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here.
Anon's get it every single time...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559866 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:30:58 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559656 sailor :
said by SandShark See Profile :

If someone we gave advice to was injured or killed because they were doing something home repair related, are we prepared to take some of the responsibility for that happening? Could there be legal ramifications? If there are limits to the advice we should be offering, are there specific and definable limits or is it on a case-by-case basis. Should there be some kind of disclaimer associated with each post when advice is given that might involve potentially dangerous situations? What say you?
No, no and no is my opinion.

Making suggestions to someone or advice or whatever we want to label it is just that..Advice and suggestions. No way should anyone be held liable for anything beyond that. Like tire recommendations..You will find them in the automotive forum here as well as all over the internet...If I ask for tire recommendations and you suggest Firestone sTvS's cause you are happy with them and then I go buy them and then immediately have a blow-out which causes me to have a wreck no way could you or anyone else be held accountable for your 'suggestion'. Like most everything on the internet, suggestions and opinions should be taken for what they are...someones opinion...

Now, as for where the line gets drawn it would have to be where someone asks for help and to use your example with an electrical problem. The line would be crossed where someone here gives advice but states that it is illegal and dangerous but they will come to the persons house and do it anyway for them for a fee. Now that is crossing the line..Offering to do something for someone that one knows is illegal or against code...But I have never seen that situation arise here and I am sure if it did the forums mods would make that thread vanish immediately.

The reply that Dennis See Profile made above... »Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice?
covers what anyone who is new to posting here needs to know.

Suggestions, advice and opinions on the internet...all should be weighed carefully by the person asking for advice.
If individuals were held liable for their suggestions then we wouldn't see medical sites that reply to questions about health issues as they all will tell you they are nothing but opinions.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559656 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:05 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559573 Warzau : That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559573 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:46:02 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559464 Dennis : When you post for the first time in this forum you do get the following text:

quote:
When posting for advice, please understand that the information provided is not guaranteed in any way, shape or form by dslreports.com or it's members.

Make sure you read the FAQ:
»Home Repair Forum FAQ

Please consider all of your options before pulling a Tim Allen and trying to clean out a drain clog with a V8 engine powered drain snake. Making sure you understand everything first is always recommended.

--
My Blog. Because I desperately need the acknowledgement of others.

Visit the Judd Family website to see my kids!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21559464 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:26:40 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21558827 Warzau :
said by Jodokast96 See Profile :

Not even a lurker myself, but just an occasinal drive by reader, that line in the FAQ really should preceed the starting of a new topic just as a CYA. I and many others know enough to realize that, but there's always some idiot out there.
Exactly like IIRC in Security or Broadband Tweaks, have the FAQ shown when starting a new topic. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21558827 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:41:36 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21558183 Jodokast96 : Not even a lurker myself, but just an occasinal drive by reader, that line in the FAQ really should preceed the starting of a new topic just as a CYA. I and many others know enough to realize that, but there's always some idiot out there.

As to SandShark See Profile's original point, I think that a forum with good, knowledgeable regulars know just where the line is, as shown in the link above. As every situation is a bit different, what may be ok in one may not be ok in a near identical case, but I have a pretty good feeling that most of you (good, knowledgeable, regulars that is) know a bad one when you see it, and will say enough is enough.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21558183 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:59:38 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556632 robbin : I imagine the thread referred to is this one

»noob question about wire/fuse size on a transformer

Not exactly a home improvement question! ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556632 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:31:18 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556606 dandelion : Being mainly a lurker, I would say the FAQ covers a lot, and not seeing the thread that was locked...the mod covered the rest ;)

»Home Repair Forum FAQ

"Information here is provided "as is" and it not guaranteed by either the poster or dslreports.com"
--
Spare computer cycles can help find answers
Find A Cure!

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556606 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:25:44 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556272 ArthurS : What troubles me the most is when people here reply to topics that are clearly out of their league, especially when it comes to code requirements and safety. But I guess you'll get that with any public forum, free advice, take it for what it's worth. There are some very smart people who participate here, and if the question is in an area that I'm not qualified to answer, I'll defer to those who know better.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556272 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:01:46 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556028 Warzau : I said it before and I didn't see it posted when you start a thread that "any advice used is under you own accord",etc,etc,etc.

Also I really don't like thread where legalities come in. It's akin to some one in the computer hardware forum asking if they should sue if a issue get taken to court.

This forums really should be for really simple home repairs and improvements. Not for legalities where a retaining a lawyer is a no brainer. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21556028 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:17:36 EDT Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21555966 ninjatutle : I hope DSLR doesn't sell us out if they subpoena any one of us. There should be a blanket clause on here stating they can't sue us even in the event of a death. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21555966 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:03:06 EDT [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21555365 SandShark : A recent thread was locked because the advice being asked for was beyond the scope of this forum and it was deemed to be "very very dangerous". I completely agreed with that particular thread being locked because not only was the advice being sought involving a very dangerous situation, but it went beyond normal everyday "home repair and improvement". On top of that, there were potential building and electrical code violations being discussed.

That thread got me to wondering. Where should the line be drawn, if at all, when it comes to offering advice to do-it-yourselfers that could be considered dangerous? I know many of you (for lack of a better word) hate calling in professionals to make repairs and/or improvements because of one reason or another, so it's not likely you would suggest to someone a professional be called. That's understandable, but we have threads where homeowners/tenants are seeking advice on installing/rewiring breaker panels, changing receptacles, installing/wiring ceiling fans, working on gas and oil furnaces/boilers, working on A/C units and any number of tasks involving electricity and other potentially dangerous situations which, if performed in an unsafe manner, could get someone seriously injured or killed. Plus, how do we know how competent someone is when it comes to performing these repairs and/or improvements?

If someone we gave advice to was injured or killed because they were doing something home repair related, are we prepared to take some of the responsibility for that happening? Could there be legal ramifications? If there are limits to the advice we should be offering, are there specific and definable limits or is it on a case-by-case basis. Should there be some kind of disclaimer associated with each post when advice is given that might involve potentially dangerous situations? What say you? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21555365 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:10:04 EDT