Question

Would it be a good thing to have a rule that a neophyte's questions are only answered (initially) by lifesavers?

I am asking for comments (please don't yell at me:-)

Answer 1

And if any lifesaver knows to answer to his question?

Answer 2

Right, there is the possibilty that a neophyte might not stay a neophyte for very long ie they have knowledge but they have to start at the bottom anyway.

Answer 3

the "rule" should be: that any answers given have to be explained ....

Answer 4

I agree with that completely, I am really thinking it can be quite difficult for a skilled math person to "talk to" a "real" neophyte (unless they have teacher training or something equivalent).

Answer 5

And reading many posts of the simpler kind with a one number reply from an expert is a bit depressing.

Answer 6

the "something equivalent" might be an inate ability to express the math in a language that can be comprehanded by the "neophyte".

and as a side note, these titles they dole out should not be viewed as the intelligence level of the person asking or answering. All it does is indicate how long a person has actually used the site ...

Answer 7

Yes, I understand that, I did think about that.

As I said a neophyte that is not really a neophyte will not stay like that for long.

The neophyte of the "2+2" troublemaker variety will be discouraged if he can't get the attention he thinks he deserves.

On the other side, it gives (real) lifesavers a chance to practice and advance.