How To Get Help on the DNN Forums

by Phil 'iwonder' Guerra

- (Mission, KS) I know this may sound trivial, but the question gets asked many times, so I thought, it would be worthwhile to revisit the approach I find works best for me. Hope it works for you too!

1. Search for a key phrase. There may be an answer to your issue already out in the ether-land. Try using your favorite search engine and enter a key phrase or keywords to check for other posts or information. Not all hits apply to your specific issue, but it gives a head start on how to zero in on a solution. You just may find a resource that can help, or that your issue is already answered, which means you don't have to duplicate it on the official DNN forums.

2. Include Environment Specifics. It's extremely helpful to those anwering posts for help to know the environment details when you encounter an issue. For example, include the following:
- DNN version
- Operating System (i.e. XP Pro, Server 2003, or whatever you are using)
- Database Info - SQL2005, SQLExpress or whatever.
- Hosted or Non-hosted setup. Is this a test private setup or hosted by an outside vendor?
- Module versions. It really helps to know the module version being used.
- Brief error description, doesn't have to be everything that is dumped to the screen, just the meat without the fat.

3 Keep posts friendly. The DNN forums is not a profit-organization, it's maintained by volunteers, and most often the folks answering are willing to help, and are not getting paid. The folks that respond do so because they are committed to the project.

4. Review Existing Posts and Bug Issues. A lot of issues are tracked in the official bug tracker or can be seen as items on a project's road map. While it may take time to go through the posts, it doesn't help to duplicate posts with reporting similar issues. Duplicates only add to the number of posts others have to review. Again, responders tend to want to answer once, and expect folks to look for the help already offerred.

5. Pay It Forward. If you can help answer a post question, do so. Remember it's a community. Give your expertise to further the project.

6. Be Patient. Responders have their priorities as well. Understand folks will help, but it may take some time to duplicate and test the issue you report.

7. Keep On Subject. Resist the urge to hijack a thread with non-relevant comments. If you have positive responses to aid in the solution, add the information, otherwise, keep it real.

8. Say When. If your issue is resolved, say so, and mark the issue answered. Always give thanks to the folks that helped, they will appreciate it.