Here are some guidelines to help you as you try and help other members.

In addition to these guidelines, all post should adhere to the OverclockersClub Forum Rules.

1. As stated in the rules, do not yell at someone to search -- This includes "Google it" replies. If the question has been asked before, provide them to a link to the previous discussion, and/or explain to them how you found your answer.

2. No, it's not always in the manual. Yes, operation and user manuals usually cover pretty much everything needed to know about operating a piece of equipment, however as we've all seen, some manuals can be lacking. Maybe the manual isn't lacking at all, but missing. In any case, the “RTFM” response is unwanted here.

3. Be gentle. Not everyone is blessed with the technology gene. Just because you understand something, and they don't does not make them an idiot. Try and explain it in a different, easier way.

4. If you don't know the answer, say so. There is nothing wrong with trying to help, but if you don't know the answer for sure, admit it. “I'm not 100% sure, but....” is a great way to start out. No advice is better than wrong advice.

5. Not everything is needed in the forums. Don't post something that may humiliate a new member. Not everyone knows where to find the FAQ or the search. Some may not even know what Google is.

6. When you come across a good question, add it to the FAQs. The FAQs are here to make things easier for new and old members.

7. Keep your replies relevant and useful. If someone ask about an Intel processor, and you reply “Intel sucks”, you aren't helping at all.

8. We were all new to this game once. Remember that.