"You're good with computers...tell me how to use my new camera." or

[KurtNYC]

"Tell me what's wrong with my laptop."

Do you have friend or family member who thinks you can just magically tell them how use their brand new camera without reading the manual? One of my neighbors, who I love, has decided that I am the answer to EVERY problem they have with electronics. I have fixed their laptop twice and now they want me to research internet services (ISPs) and dig them out of the hole they got in with Earthlink ($14 for the first 3 months then $40 forever, btw).

What do YOU say to these types of requests?

[Scuba]

1. I say "$100 to look at it plus $50/hour."

Then they go elsewhere.

[Archae]

2. My Mom.

She has a laptop and dial-up connection that runs so slow it's going backwards, and a digital camera with all sorts of bells and whistles and now an iPad.

And she calls me up asking how to this, how to do that.

[femmocrat]

3. I get, "Will you draw ---- for me?" or "Can you make a sign for me?"

(I'm an art teacher.) My standard answer is "I'm so sorry, but my schedule is crazy. I just don't have time, but you can do it!" I hand them the supplies and send them on their way with a pat on the back. LOL

[KurtNYC]

4. A friend of mine is an MD and when he just says "Hi, how are you?"

People answer with versions of "I have a pain right here what do you think it is?"

[NJCher]

5. maybe they're just lazy

It's so much easier to "ask KurtNYC" than to read the manual.

Don't let them get away with it. Say "I'm going to show you how to approach the problem so you can do this yourself."

Then give them your best problem-solving tips and coach them through it. Once or twice is the limit.

Technology can be complicated but it's something we all have to wade through if we're going to reap the benefits.

On the other hand, though, if you enjoy helping people with this kind of stuff, ask them to trade off a task that you don't enjoy, like raking leaves or some other such thing. They rake your leaves, you coach them on how to use their camera.



Cher

[Populist_Prole]

6. I suspect that's the case all too many times

Lazy, or manipulative by playing dumb. All too often just taking the whole "I'm no good at computers......" or anything else, and just running with it. Worst part is when a parent or relative asks me to show them how to work a new cell phone they bought, and one I've never seen! I only know what I know about my own based on reading the manual. They want me to read their manual?

I try to show them how to do certain tasks on a computer but it seems to go in one ear and out the other and they keep asking me the same stupid questions. I just gave up and emailed them a link with instructions, and then I suddenly become too busy to help them. They're family yes, but it really irks the shit out of me to see them take advantage of mine other's good nature under the guise of helplessness. They're sure as hell "smart" enough to bury me in all manner of stupid email forwards.

[KurtNYC]

8. I like your approach.

I do generally try to say 'this is how would approach' these problems. I encourage them to learn the features of the camera one by one. Only the features they will use. Read one paragraph then do it. Don't read everything and get overwhelmed. Learn something and use it right away.

Like the trade / barter approach too.

[Major Nikon]

7. I generally blow them off

The problem you get into with these types of requests is that whenever you work on someone's computer or any other electronic device is that you essentially become their problem solver from that point on. I used to do this, but quickly found out that even close friends will really take advantage of you with these things. So now I usually just refer them to google or a professional.

[Populist_Prole]

10. Not only that, they'll blame you for whatever goes wrong down the road

Especially with computers. Do something simple like install extra RAM, or even just do a disc cleaning or defragmentation and they'll think it's your fault when some other problem happens months and months later; even it's caused by their own ignorance. This has happened a few times with people who are "close acquaintances" / friends of friends types, and I resented it. The hell with them.

[HopeHoops]

9. I've been a computer geek since the late 70's and I just ask the kids to do stuff like that.

I use the KISS principle for handheld devices. My phone needs to place a call and receive one. Voice mail's nice, but I rarely check it. I had them disable texting. For the camera, all I need to know is where the close-up (flower) setting is, the power button, the zoom, and the shutter button. Anything more complicated and one of the kids gets to figure it out.

On the other hand, when one of their machines has a problem, I'll spend hours or even days working to correct it just because I know how. A lot of people call me for tech support (friends and family) and, having done a lot of it over the phone as a professional, I can usually solve problems that way. I've got a neighbor who wants me to help him sell stuff on eBay. I've still got "get eBay going again" on my PERSONAL to-do list! That's the answer I give him (and he's persistent).

As for the ISP thing, just tell them to go with either their land-line provider (Verizon, etc.) or their cable provider (Comcast, etc.) for DSL, fiber or cable bundled onto their existing service. That's almost always the least expensive path. The Earthlink deal looks like dial-up service, but for high speed a $40/mo charge isn't abnormal other than possibly being on the low side. I was one of the first DSL customers in the area when it became available and I got grandfathered in at $40 when they upped the rates on new subscribers.

As for what to say, if they persist, quote them your hourly rate and offer them a 10% discount for being neighbors. With my "eBay" neighbor, I came right out and told him that if I do sell for him I'll expect a hefty commission. Unless you sell online, you can't really understand how much work is involved, from researching prices and shipping costs to listing, checking payments, packing, and actual shipping. Sometimes you just have to stand your ground and often times that alone makes the problem go away.

[jrandom421]

11. From Dilbert

Clueless user: Dilbert, please fix my computer. It doesn't work
Dilbert: Okay, but only if you clean my house and mow my lawn.
Clueless user: It hardly seems fair that you want me to do all that for you.
Dilbert: I'm not the one who majored in comparative medieval literature.