Don't Post Passive-Aggressive Webpages

Summary

dontpostpassiveaggressivewebpages.com Let's talk about those links. What Are We Talking About? You've probably seen them. Links like dontasktoask.com, giybf.com, lmgtfy.com, or similar sites, often dropped in response to a question in online communities, especially tech or coding forums. The intent behind these sites might stem from a desire to encourage better questions, promote self-sufficiency, or manage repetitive queries. However, the act of posting the link itself often comes across very differently. The Vibe Check: How It Feels to Receive That Link Let's be honest. Getting one of these links rarely feels like constructive feedback. More often, it feels: Dismissive: It shuts down the conversation instead of guiding it. Passive-Aggressive: It avoids direct communication in favour of a canned, often snarky, response delivered via URL. Shaming: As one person put it: "To me it gives off the vibe of 'this question is so stupid and people have asked it so many times someone made a website just for stupid people like you.'" Unhelpful: It doesn't offer "higher insight". It's just a statement, not tailored help. Lazy (Ironically): While presented as enforcing effort from the asker, posting the link is often the least effort response from the helper, compared to offering genuine, brief guidance. Counter-Productive: It can create a hostile or unwelcoming atmosphere ("Stack Overflow syndrome"), discouraging newcomers or those already struggling. "It's Just Enforcement / Justifying the Rule!" Some argue these links efficiently enforce community norms about asking questions well. While establishing good practices is valuable, using a passive-aggressive link is arguably one of the least effective ways to teach or enforce them kindly. It lacks context: The link doesn't know the specific situation or the asker's background. It breeds resentment: People learn better when they feel respected, not dismissed. Direct communication is clearer: A simple, polite sentence is often more...