Don't you love it when people answer your question and then....?

Question

...Then they say, well don't believe what you read here, go talk with your (insert mentor figure / professional). Why go through the trouble of answering if you are going to tell them not to listen? Leave your opinion and don't apologize for it, if you have to apologize say something else or keep it to your self. This isn't to say you should not suggest that they seek outside help, but they asked a question and don't deserve to be hounded for asking your opinion. Agree? Disagree? Opinions? Have you ever felt like this? Personally this is my first question though i have answered and in reading some of the other answers I was inspired to put this one out there.

..Then they say, well don't believe what you read here, go talk with your (insert mentor figure / professional). Why go through the trouble of answering if you are going to tell them not to listen? Leave your opinion and don't apologize for it. This isn't to say you should not suggest that they seek outside help, but they asked a question and don't deserve to be hounded just for asking your opinion. Agree? Disagree? Opinions?

Like I said, there is not problem with suggesting you seek a professional opinion.
The issue I wish to touch upon is when people offer their opinion but almost in the same breath dismiss the other comments. Then it is suggested to seek the opinion of the professional as kind of an after thought.
If you need a disclaimer why not just say, "I am not a professional but my own experience has taught me (insert anecdote) (if necessary follow with) I reccommend you ask Mistress Cleo or whatever appropriate expert.

Answer 1

I'm not going to take time trying to figure out just what your question is all about, but I'll agree just to make you happy.

Answer 2

I don't think there is anything wrong with suggesting that someone go to an expert for a more knowledgable opinion than you are able to give. Being a very opinionated person, I answer questions on all sorts of topics some in my area of expertise, many not. If I know that there are professionals out there who specialize in the area that I'm giving a layman's opinion in then I think it is acceptable for me to suggest that the person seek additional help from those experts. The person may not have known that there are experts in the area in question.

Answer 3

Because there are people on here who ask medical questions about potentially dangerous situations. Most of the time I think they ask the question out of fear of seeing the correct medical professional and having their worst fears confirmed. How many times have you seen questions about "Am I pregnant?" "Do I have depression?" "What is this mark on me?" They NEED to hear GO SEE THE DOCTOR. While 90% of the time what the person is fearing is possibly not true only a doctor who sees them in person can give them the correct method of treatment. People are honest on here and will give their opinon and what has worked for them and might ease their worries you still need to go see a doctor. I work with a medical student. I have asked her questions thinking surely she will know what is wrong. And almost everytime she tells me what she thinks it is and then tells me to go see my doctor. Not because she isn't sure of the answer but because only a doctor can help me.

Answer 4

why/would you prefer it if someone told you just whatever came to is freaky mind,without any consideration,just to get the 2 points?

Think about it:for you,your question is important.For some others it is a way to get points or laugh at other people's questions...THEY van easily drop a random thought ( if they bother to think at all) and leave you to clear the mess and make sense.

I personaly prefer to hear that someone suggest going to see someone who van really help out with my problem.When the suggestion is made in a freindly manner,it shows that the other person has feelings and cares even a bit.They realise they can't just answer a question without knowing anything about the person and answer correctly....And that they realise they can't be absolute! hope u understand what I mean!!

Answer 5

Sometimes when people ask for medical advice I will tell them not to believe what people write here. If I know the answer, I will also give that advice because I know that many people don't have insurance and won't go to a doctor. I do this because I want to emphasize that the answers they get from people here are not always correct, and I want them to have the correct answer so that they will at least consider it.

Answer 6

I do this, but only in the Parenting section when people describe symptoms/an illness their child has. I reply with a first hand experience I've had with both my kids, but then add, "This is just my OPINION. Please consult your child's doctor if you're concerned." or something like that. I do this because there are PLENTY of dumb people who would actually just give their baby tylenol for a fever instead of taking them to the doctor, only to find out a week later that their baby has menengitis or RSV or something equally bad.

Answer 7

Sort of- I assume people are offering their best thoughts and advise based on personal experience, BUT want to offer, almost a diclaimer. By suggesting "go to a professional", they are saying, well, this worked for me, but may not work for you, so go talk to someone and make sure. At first glance it seems wishy washy, but I take it at face value that they want to be as helpful as possible.

Answer 8

Yes I agree. Also if answering someone by being humorous is one thing but do we have st be slanderous

Answer 9

definitely... Why are they even on here if they think you should ask a mentor the question?... maybe they should take their own advice.

Answer 10

okie dokie.