Josh,

There is absolutely no excuse for not reading the docs, pirated copy or not. ALL of the docs are online at http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp including the Solutions and TasTrade (though the page has an error.)

If they've got enough of an internet connection for the chat, they've got enough to read the docs.

I've seen my share of these people on the MS ng's too. They whine and plead for you to write their code for them. Some appear to think that all Americans are rich and have nothing else to do but help them out as if we OWE someone something.

Playing dumb is a "polite" way out of a situation. So is "acidentally" losing your connection to the chat. We also have the option to help them no matter how annoying. I know I've learned tons and tons by looking up answers to other people's questions when I didn't know the answer right away. Consequently I've come a long way very quickly while those that don't know how to dig are still scratching the surface.



>>Folks who demonstrate this behavior usually will have the help files as well as the stolen software. However, I'd start recommending to them that they remember to first read their documentation. Always a great idea to learn how to find your own answers as you may be stranded on a desert island with Brittany Spears or ?? and not know how to connect to the net.
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>Either they don't have the help file or they don't read it... Several times we've asked "Did you read the documentation on this functin/command/statement" after we've explained it to them 4 different ways and the answer is "No". When it's no; I'd say 90% of the time they've stolen it and didn't get the MSDN portion of the software.