Excellent article. It should be sent to all new members when they create a new account.

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>May I suggest that a "set of parameters" be published and ? private messaged to all new subscribers about the UT.
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>If such an article already exists I apologise, where do I find it?
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>It could consist of a series of simple questions/answers.
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>*-----What can I expect from UT?
>You can expect a highly active exchange of ideas and advice from all levels- neophyte to expert. Teaching is a good way to learn and the voluntary assistance that goes on in UT is good for everybody.
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>*-----How soon can I ask questions?
>As soon as you like. However, rather than wading in with a host of questions about everything you can think of, you should pick an issue that is troubling you, post enough detail so others can understand, and see what happens. You should also make sure that you have checked the help file and FAQ before asking. Remember that helping you is a voluntary, unpaid effort; busy people will become irritated if you earn a reputation for not bothering to press F1 or check the FAQ before firing off a question.
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>*-----If I ask a question, how quickly should it be answered?
>While questions are often answered the same day or quicker, nobody *has* to answer just because you post a question. Everything here is voluntary and you should not "look a gift horse in the mouth" by expecting a reply to your own schedule unless you are paying for the assistance, which you are not.
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>As a general rule: if you provide enough detail so people can see that you have done all the ground work and are still stuck, you are more likely to get a quick answer than if you expect somebody to take you through the whole thing from scratch.
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>*-----Can I expect code to be posted if I ask?
>If people post code to assist you, it may take time for them to masssage it into shape, check it, and present it in a useful fashion. As this is an unpaid, voluntary task, you should not habitually ask for or demand code so you can include it in your own work. You should expect to pay a contractor for that sort of assistance. That some UT people post expert code is a tribute to them and their willingness to assist, not something you should expect.
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>*-----Can I Answer questions?
>We hope you will! This is what makes the forum work. If somebody asks about a problem you have solved yourself, go ahead and answer. There is a lot of satisfaction in helping others, especially if they then come back with a tweak that allows you to improve your own work.