How do people get anything answered here?

[Cactus Cowboy]

I mean, they don't bother to state the operating system or the version of Illustrator they're using. As if those trying to help can read their minds. Then again, they don't stop long enough and really think about what they're writing or how they're framing their problem so it's comprehensible. Someone told me once that it's because they become flustered and panicky and want their problem solved now. If they just took the time to read what they've written they would realize that not even they can understand what they meant. I've read some problems here that are real doozies. Then I've read replies where folks pull rabbits out of the hat and solve things with nothing more to go on than scribbles on a napkin. Amazing. My hats off to you magician's; rabbits and all.

[Eternal Warrior]

It certainly can be difficult

Nice click bait title by the way...

[Test Screen Name]

Using a forum effectively needs practice. Especially framing the first post with enough detail. I think many people expect it to work like a conversation, so the first post is like you'd say to a human in front of you... I've got a problem with a box on my screen?

As a responder it's very frustrating. Especially knowing that a comprehensive reply giving all possibilities would be time consuming, and longer than most people would read. Still, it's a good habit to respond to initial vagueness in welcoming terms and try gently to draw out answers. Just saying "we're not mind readers, tell us what we need", while it satisfies that frustration, could well alienate the person so they never come back. It's as rude as being abusive. It's hard though And I often fail that test.

[Luke_Jennings]

If a poster could describe their issue with precision and detail, they could probably solve their problem themselves as well.

Personally, I enjoy trying to answer the questions and helping people, when I can spare a moment. You're welcome Adobe.

[Eternal Warrior]

Ditto!

[Jacob Bugge]

Cactus Cowboy,

I agree with Luke and Eternal Warrior, welcoming the challenge and fun; and sometimes answering sillily, tersely, woollily, and/or on a good day maybe even unintelligibly.

[Simmer1]

Well said Luke! It is awesome to be able to help others.