Atachaphobia

[dflak]

I'm relatively new to the site. One of the technical issues I have is I can't see PNG files, but that's just part of my issue.

I'm sure I'm not alone in this frustration. I'd really like to help people with their issues. However, hardly anyone attaches a sample spreadsheet. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm not going to take the time to set up a spreadsheet and populate it with data based on someone's verbal description. Even at that, I'd probably get it wrong.

I used to ask for a sample spreadsheet, but it happens so often, I just pass on the requirement now. I imagine most people do. That might give the board a "black eye" in that for every 4 or 5 posts, there's only one solution.

I'm often tempted to answer those, "Can this be done?" postings with "Yes."

How do others handle this issue? I'm thinking of a shot of my favorite spirits.

[TMS]

I think many people take the same approach as you. With regard to PNG files, it is an ongoing issue ... for some people. I think it is related to operating system and/or browser and/or the versions of both. As it happens, I can see PNG files in Windows 7 using Chrome. But that's not a guarantee.

In many cases, a sample workbook facilitates the speedy resolution of a user's issue. Sometimes it is possible to work it out without one; sometimes it is no big deal to set up a test harness for formulae or code. But it all depends on a) whether the answer hits you straight away without the "assist" and b) if you can be bothered if there's not enough to go on.

Many other forums don't allow file uploads so users have no option and may assume it is the same here.

More often than not, if a thread does NOT have a sample workbook and I feel I NEED one, I'll just pass. As a guru, if I ask for additional information, it ties my name to the thread and may put other interested individuals off answering ... and I may not be able to.

I'm often tempted to answer those, "Can this be done?" postings with "Yes."

As are many of us . But it's not helpful and probably a waste of your time and may get you embroiled in a thread you have no interest in. So, my advice is, don't.

Regards, TMS

[FDibbins]

Regarding lack of files to work with, I frequently ask for a sample workbook, I even have a canned reply...

upload a small (clean) sample workbook (not a pic) of what you are working with, and what your expected outcome would look like.

we have others along the same lines.

As far as pics go...

Please upload a sample of your workbook, not a picture of your data. Pictures are pretty much impossible to edit, and no-one wants to re-type your data for you
Also, not all members can upload picture files (Company firewalls and stuff) - and, depending on what browser is being used, some pics dont even show up on the forum

Your workbook should show a small desensitized example of the data you are working with and a manual mockup of the expected results.

We also have to deal with the reverse of no attachment, something like...see the file for my question/answer

Sorry for off-topic interjection:

Although there is no official rule regarding this behavior, we request that wherever possible both the question AND the answer be provided in substantive detail here within the thread. An attached workbook is an excellent aid for posing a question and offering a solution, but solely doing that with no in thread explanation makes it difficult for researchers to understand or consider the Q & A of this thread without downloading what may be a pointless doc to them, if they can do that at all. Doing that also hides the content from search engines so others may never benefit from this.

I'm sure you understand, and we look forward to seeing you post your formulas/macros in your posts for the searching benefit of all.

Thanks again for all your hard work here!

Please do not feel bad for asking for a file, nor for asking for additional info. Often, new members do not know what to provide, nor what we need to help them - a little reminder here and there can work wonders.

Thank you for posting this, it is indeed a valuable thread and very pertinent comments

[TMS]

@Ford: just checking - who can see / has access to canned replies? I had a feeling it was gurus, moderators and admins but I may be mistaken.

Regards, TMS

[gmr4evr1]

If I have the slightest inkling of what the OP wants and there is no file attached, I will always ask for one. When I first came to this forum a little over a year ago, I was just starting with VBA and received A LOT of help from other members here (the 3 above my post are a few of them!). Because of all the help I've received, I get on here almost every day to see if I can help someone else out so any and all info that is given is very helpful, which is something I found out the hard way when I first came here. There is a fine line though, too much information can get you all turned around and confused when trying to figure out what the OP wants. Or maybe it's just me that confuses myself
As for

I'm often tempted to answer those, "Can this be done?" postings with "Yes."

I have wanted to do that soooooooooooooooo many times, but as TMS (Trevor) pointed out, you get stuck in that thread. So, if I'm going to get stuck in the thread anyway, I usually try to say "Yes, but we would need more info to help you out", and follow that up with the info that we would need.

[FDibbins]

@Ford: just checking - who can see / has access to canned replies? I had a feeling it was gurus, moderators and admins but I may be mistaken.

Regards, TMS

You are correct, that's what I worded that as "I"

My point was that the frequency of these issues is high enough to have some standard replies (from seniors)

[TMS]

@Ford: OK, understood ... but you did then say:

we have others along the same lines.

and

We also have to deal with ...

Just wanted to clarify for the OP in case he was wondering about those "canned replies"

Regards, TMS

[FDibbins]

Yes, I can see how that might be misleading, thanks for clarifying

[TMS]

No worries

[humdingaling]

to be honest that is the main reason i prefer this forum over others......the ability to attach files

i'm less inclined to get involved with thread unless there is an attachment (or a concise description of problem).....unless its something i know off top of my head or can do simple mock up relatively easily

[FDibbins]

hum, I have said the same thing many times, too

[dflak]

Yeah, patience is a virtue, so I'm told . I would be interested in being able to use canned replies.

One of the things I have to learn is efficient navigation of the site. Looking at unanswered threads is a start, but sometimes there is one answer asking for more clarification (or a sample workbook) so the post does not show up on the list. I don't mind looking at recent posts with one or two responses to see if they have any "traction." Is there a way for me to define "recent?" I don't mind going through a day or two of posts.

I also look at the number of posts a person has. I make the assumption that if the person has a low number of posts that they are a novice. I realize that may not be true in a lot of cases. Too bad we don't have a way for users to self-identify their skill level in Excel. It plays into the level of detail I supply with the answer.

I also look at the country of the poster. Although many are worded in excellent English, I will assume that English is not the primary language and avoid colloquialisms.

[Norie]

dflak

You can add your own canned replies by going to Settings, clicking Canned Replies in My Settings in the bottom left and scrolling down to the bottom.

All the canned replies are listed alphabetically and you can Edit/Delete your own.

[TMS]

@Norie: he won't be able to see/use canned replies until he is considered a "senior member".

[Norie]

Oops, never realised that.

[FlameRetired]

@Norie: he won't be able to see/use canned replies until he is considered a "senior member".

Thanks for persisting and getting that one clarified.

Currently I have a Word document with my own canned replies to copy / paste. It beats typing in a reply every time, but that drop down / insert would sure be handy.

And thanks dflak for posting this one.

[dflak]

That's OK guys. I'll wait my turn.

Good idea FlameRetired. I need to get a collection of my favorite pieces of advice too and figure out a way to bring it up at a keystroke. Hmmm.

[TMS]

The following images provide a list of the Canned Replies. The "Satisfied", "You're Welcome" and "You're Welcome (rep)" are Canned Replies that I created and use.

If you let me know which ones you feel may be useful, I will try to copy them into a document for you.

Canned Replies (1).jpgCanned Replies (2).jpg


Regards, TMS

[snb]

Thanks for persisting and getting that one clarified.

Currently I have a Word document with my own canned replies to copy / paste. It beats typing in a reply every time, but that drop down / insert would sure be handy.

And thanks dflak for posting this one.

@flame

Since you are being considered to be a forum expert, the canned replies are available for you. You don't need any Word document to imitate the right you already have.

Canned reply 'when you joined....'

When you joined the forum recently you agreed to abide by the Forum Rules, but in haste I fear you might not have actually read them. Please stop and take a moment to read them now. We all follow these rules for the benefit of all, as must you. Thanks.

(link above in the menu bar)

[gmr4evr1]

Forum experts have access to canned replies? Only 9 more points to go.

[humdingaling]

i believe so
thats when i first noticed that drop down box

[FDibbins]

Thanks for persisting and getting that one clarified.

Currently I have a Word document with my own canned replies to copy / paste. It beats typing in a reply every time, but that drop down / insert would sure be handy.

And thanks dflak for posting this one.

I actually had (still have) mine in an excel file, along with a bunch of handy formulas and stuff

[FlameRetired]

Thank you again, Ford.

The handy formulas thing ... good idea. Save "re-inventing the wheel".

[FlameRetired]

Edited Misread post.

@ snb

Thank you for clearing up the when permission occurs.

Now, how to deploy this feature? I have searched the Rules and the FAQs for clarity. All my efforts take me in the same "circles". ..... "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms" ....

I have found "Your Canned Replies" under Miscellaneous in Settings, but no manual for delivery.

I have the drop down. Yet when I select an item nothing appears in the editing window.

Can you or anyone else also tell me what else am I missing?

[FDibbins]

Sounds like the problem I had after they upgraded IW to 11...someone suggested (Kyle, I think?) that I apply compatibility Mode for this site

[FlameRetired]

Sounds like the problem I had after they upgraded IW to 11...someone suggested (Kyle, I think?) that I apply compatibility Mode for this site

Thank you, Ford. That did the trick!!!

Whoo - hoo .... I got permissions ... I am somebody !!!! LOL

[FDibbins]

hehe I know that feeling

[snb]

Thank you, Ford. That did the trick!!!

Whoo - hoo .... I got permissions ... I am somebody !!!! LOL

So whots next ?

[AB33]

to be honest that is the main reason i prefer this forum over others......the ability to attach files

i'm less inclined to get involved with thread unless there is an attachment (or a concise description of problem).....unless its something i know off top of my head or can do simple mock up relatively easily

I concur with you.

[xladept]

"Virtue is it's own reward" - I usually ask them to attach a file

[Pete_UK]

Sounds like the problem I had after they upgraded IW to 11...someone suggested (Kyle, I think?) that I apply compatibility Mode for this site

Hi Ford,

I pointed the compatibility issue out to you in this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/forum-vete...ml#post4292544

for which you gave me rep - thank you. Hope you are now able to use all 5 of your upgraded machines.

Pete

[FlameRetired]

@ Pete

Pete, I tried that link however I get a message telling me I don't have permission to view that page. I vaguely recall you saying something about IE and other browsers,

a while back (can't locate the thread). Was that the thread?

Thanks,
Dave

[Pete_UK]

Sorry, that thread is in the Veterans forum, which is only available to Gurus, Mods and Admins.

Pete

[snb]

So why not posting it here ?

[Pepe Le Mokko]

So why not posting it here ?

Good question. I suppose other members are not "good enough" to mingle with the powers that be