Since I’ve been the “computer guy” in my family and circle(s) of friends since, well, ever, I’ve always done a resonable amount of “tech support” to them, whenever they have problems, or simply questions (“how do I do this?” “is that video card a good choice?”). That’s natural, of course.
I think it’s perfectly reasonable that when someone asks you a question and you already know the answer, or can find it in 30 seconds, you simply give that person the answer.
What I don’t think is reasonable is when you, yourself don’t know the answer, and can’t get it much more easily than the other person, yet he or she expects – almost demands, sometimes – that you go seek the answer so you can tell him/her.
Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? “Hey, go learn about that subject so you can tell me about it.” But it’s what a lot of people do.
These days, I try to overcome my natural tendency, which is to always say “yes”, and think about whether it’s as easy for that other person to look for answers as it is for me. If so, I politely say so. Of course, if I already have the knowledge and, therefore, the answer, I give it.
The really weird thing is that some people still get offended when I refuse to do their work. Do they think that only their time is valuable?
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