Read The F###ing Manual (RTFM)

Many forums and DIY groups are formed by people who genuinely want to learn, and may be offended when someone pops in to ask questions and save the trouble of doing any research on their own. It’s not hard to spot questions that are worthy of a snide RTFM. Some common ones are how to change the language settings on a machine or how to set the time – two things that are usually addressed clearly in any user manual. Some people find RTFM rude – which is true – but others point out that the Internet is not an excuse to be lazy. Moreover, many manuals for technology products are online, searchable and more authoritative than some guy in a forum. So read the f####ing manual, please.