 SandSharkLong may you runPremium,MVM
join:2000-05-23
Santa Fe, TX
kudos:3 | [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? 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? |
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| 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. |
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 WarzauPremium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
kudos:1 | reply to SandShark
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. |
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 ArthurSWatch Those Blinking LightsPremium
join:2000-10-28
Hamilton, ON | reply to SandShark
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. |
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 dandelionPremium,MVM
join:2003-04-29
Germantown, TN
kudos:4
 ·Comcast
| reply to SandShark
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"
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robbinPremium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
kudos:1 | I imagine the thread referred to is this one
»noob question about wire/fuse size on a transformer
Not exactly a home improvement question! |
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 Jodokast96Stupid people really piss me off.Premium
join:2005-11-23
Erial, NJ
kudos:2 | reply to dandelion
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  '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. |
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WarzauPremium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
kudos:1 | said by 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. Exactly like IIRC in Security or Broadband Tweaks, have the FAQ shown when starting a new topic. |
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 DennisPremium,Mod
join:2001-01-26
Algonquin, IL
kudos:5
Chicago
Users find Hot Deals
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Home Improvement
| 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.
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WarzauPremium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
kudos:1 | That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here. |
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sailorPremium
join:2003-10-21
Long Island
kudos:6
2 edits | reply to SandShark
said by SandShark: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 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. |
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DennisPremium,Mod
join:2001-01-26
Algonquin, IL
kudos:5 Host:
Chicago
Users find Hot Deals
Users find Hot Dea..
Requests for Hot D..
Home Improvement
| reply to Warzau
said by Warzau:That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here. Anon's get it every single time... |
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| reply to SandShark
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. |
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WarzauPremium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
kudos:1 | reply to Dennis
said by Dennis:said by Warzau: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! |
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| reply to SandShark
I am reminded of this thread, »Having our Kitchen Redone!!, where Ken 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. |
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 jaaPremium,MVM
join:2000-06-13
kudos:2 | reply to SandShark
...on second thought, I've decided to stop giving advice.  |
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 HRMGod Bless AmericaPremium,MVM
join:2002-02-03
Darien, CT
kudos:1 | reply to SandShark
Anyone who listens to me gets exactly what they paid for and worth every penny. |
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 Greg_ZPremium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL | reply to Dennis
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 |
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 ctceoPremium
join:2001-04-26
South Bend, IN
 ·magicjack.com
 ·AT&T U-Verse
 ·AT&T Midwest
4 edits | reply to sailor
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
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 wilbilt Pronto ResurrectedPremium
join:2004-01-11
Oroville, CA | reply to ninjatutle
said by 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. 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.
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