Writing useful requests for help

[Anonymous]

Can we gather together here in this thread, some advice for people posting "help me!" type messages for the first time, to make it easier for us to responde in a useful manner?

OK, I'll start...

Please, folks, understand that we are just people, we are not the official O2 help desk, (although the support here is so good you may think it is).  There are knowledgeable and dedicated people here who want to help you, free of charge, in their own tie, so don't get angry with us, please!

Please don't post any personal information - you have no privacy here, and somebody else could use it.  In any case, we have no access to O2 accounts or anything else that would require your personal information.

Please DO tell us everything from the begining, and lay out your question in a clear and precise manner.  Include details of your handset, (make and model), and your monthly contract or pay as you go tariff.

Tell us what you've already tried, and how you want the problem solved.

Keep calm and give as more details as needed.  More is usually better.

Avoid repeating the same things, because it creates more messages and makes the thread longer and slower to read.

We know that account and tecnical problems can be very worrying and cause further stress, but please remain focused and understand that we really are trying our best to help you.

Almost all problems are solved quickly and easily if people follow these guidelines.

Thanks.

[Bambino]

I think pink_floppy_bunny_with_wiskers_82738 has already been taken. You would have been out of luck. 

[Beenherebefore]

---

@Cleoriff wrote:

Additionally...the issue of allowing us to see the latest post...is something that @Beenherebefore has been discussing with the community management. I am unsure as to how much progress has been made?

---

@Toby has communicated it to Lithium for investigation.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Can we gather together here in this thread, some advice for people posting "help me!" type messages for the first time, to make it easier for us to responde in a useful manner?

OK, I'll start...

Please, folks, understand that we are just people, we are not the official O2 help desk, (although the support here is so good you may think it is).  There are knowledgeable and dedicated people here who want to help you, free of charge, in their own tie, so don't get angry with us, please!

Just to say congratulations @Anonymous - I thought yours was an excellent post, but as so often happens in the Community reaction has been too swift, a bit blinkered and the idea has been hijacked, trivialised and over taken by another very good idea about a means to check the latest post before submitting a contribution. Well done and keep the ideas coming.

[Cleoriff]

it hasnt been taken over or 'hijacked' as you suggest Gerry.

We were asked for suggestions and they have been given as far as I am concerned.

[Anonymous]

Rules, regulations, limitations ....those are the words that are popping into my mind...God I must be old fashioned... or naive... I thought common sense, politeness, good intentions, respect ... where what this forum needs... 

Now instead of helping the customers that come in here just for that, a bit of help, we need to train ourselves on how to do it first... we need to learn how to think in a particular way or we are wrong ? Sorry but is it just me that thinks that this is a bit strange?? 

[Bambino]

I think we have enough rules, regulations, and limitations already. They are plainly set out in the Community Guidelines. We certainly don't need any more.

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Welcome-News/Community-Guidelines/m-p/487846/highlight/true#M6378

[Cleoriff]

I honestly don't think @Anonymous 's initial post was in anyway aimed at those of us that advise ..initially!..

He was looking at something that may help new posters?

I brought into discussion about the way that WE answer posts...more for discussion ....NOT asking for regimentation or rules.

When I made my suggestion it was shortly after the 'mayhem' of another thread where the OP struggled but due to the sheer volume of replies...so did a lot of the regular members.

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Discussions-Feedback/unordered-sim-mess-up/m-p/835201#M58051

That thread is still going round in circles  14 pges on now and with no resolution.

I have made it clear on this thread that I do not want any sort of format...and would not be posting if we were drawn into that.

[Anonymous]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Rules, regulations, limitations ....those are the words that are popping into my mind...God I must be old fashioned... or naive... I thought common sense, politeness, good intentions, respect ... where what this forum needs... 

Now instead of helping the customers that come in here just for that, a bit of help, we need to train ourselves on how to do it first... we need to learn how to think in a particular way or we are wrong ? Sorry but is it just me that thinks that this is a bit strange?? 

Can I just say that my original post never suggested any of that !?

It was only meant as a guide for people who are writing their first cry for help, to help them include the minimum info necessary and avoid frustration.

You are quite right, and I completely advocate politeness and good intentions everywhere.  (Except in discussions about iPhones, because they're rubbish 🙂 )

[Anonymous]

---

@Cleoriff wrote:

I honestly don't think @Anonymous 's initial post was in anyway aimed at those of us that advise

Exactly.  Thanks for pointing that out.

He was looking at something that may help new posters?

That's right...

---

[Toby]

Hi @Anonymous (and everyone else)

Some really interesting ponts in this thread!

We also have an intro page (linked below) which has info for newly-registered members. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on what may be missing that I can add

What's the community and how to get started