It is perhaps appropriate that I clear up a few points regarding this forum and its use - just in case people feel do not feel free to post here.
As per the tut letter,
I expect you to read the forum regularly, to make sure a topic does not already exist, to create topics that pinpoint your problem and to be clear about your problem. If you do not play by these rules, then do not expect smiley support. It is very frustrating to have to answer repetitive questions, questions that do not include an account of what you have tried, or what the exact issue is. Here I refer to questions similar to "My car won't start. Help me". A better question would be " My car won't start. I turn the key and nothing happens. No turning of the engine, nothing." In the latter, the problem is narrowed down. Not perfect, but much easier to support. I must say,
there is a clear improvement visible from last semester, so keep it up.
I understand that it is not always possible to clearly articulate a problem if the work is new, but at least try. The forum is not a question-answer on-stop shop. It is a place to interact with fellow students, to support one another and to feel comfortable in. To achieve that, rules are required - just as in real life.
It is also clear that students do not read the tut letter carefully, or work through the introduction on the CD. It appears that some simply try and find sections of code that will "do the job and ensure a pass", as opposed to understanding the code. To such students - do not expect commitment if you cannot show commitment. The assignment and portfolio do not require anything that you do not have access to or that is not clearly demonstrated in the resources. Nevertheless, you need to show some commitment and be prepared to work independently - such as registering your site on a server and using the tools the service provides. Millions of other users are doing it outside formal education structures, so there really is no excuse not to manage it.
The overall message thus is: Feel free to answer questions, but play by the rules. I do not favour "clever" questions over "less clever" questions. I may appear that I favour some students - but it is simply because they play by the rules and my answers to them appear more supportive. I am committed to these forums and visit them several times a day. Help me to help you.
