How to : Make effective use of the Xojo Forum

First, you need to realize that this forum while provided by Xojo, is a volunteer effort. While some of the Xojo engineers (Norman and Greg to name a few) do participate, the majority of the feedback you will find here if from other Xojo developers. Some are using Xojo for commerical purposes, some of long time “hobby developers”, and others are (to coin a phrase), “newbies”.

The intent (my opinion) of this forum is to promote discussion about what can be done with Xojo, help others solve specific issues, and provide insight into ways to make each of our experience with Xojo to be that much better.

What this forum is not, is a place to find someone to do your homework for you, or to write your application for you (unless you wish to contract a “for fee” situation).

That all being said… When you have a question about what can or cannot be done, or how to do a particular task, the first thing you should do is attempt to do it yourself. Failure is an option, by failing we learn what not to do. And remember this forum has thousands of topics, and it is quite likely that your question has been asked before… Take some time to search… Google is your friend as well.

If you post a topic and say…

  • I am having a problem trying to do XYZ
  • here is some code I wrote, but I can’t see whats wrong
  • I searched the forum, and found this, but I don’t understand this section

Do these types of things, and the volunteers here will realize you have made an effort to learn for yourself, and therefore will most likely be more willing to expend their effort to help you along. Because, why should they put out an effort for you, if you are not willing to put out an effort for yourself?

But if you come here and post something like “Please solve xyz for me”…that might not garner as much support.
And if you ask about solving problems in a language other than Xojo, chances are nobody will respond, this is an Xojo forum.

Remember again, this is a volunteer effort… it consists of “give” as well as “take”…

DISCLAIMER : I AM NOT NOW, NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN AN EMPLOYEE OF XOJO, INC. … I’M JUST ONE OF THOSE VOLUNTEERS MENTIONED ABOVE :slight_smile:

And don’t use the search on this forum, just use Google - it is far better at finding the relevant posts on this forum.

And just like in all walks of life, there are a few people who will try to help no matter how you ask, be it karma readjustment, boredom, the challenge or whatever personal reason they choose… never let someone tell you that you can’t ask a question…

And if you want to volunteer your time to help someone, please do so in a courteous and respectful manner or move on to the next post. That’s what makes this a friendly community that people enjoy visiting.

One more time… “Please”.