IMO, an email list or BBS type forum may serve as a means of
lowering the amount of hasty and ill informed replies.

I was on FB recently. To me, it seemed that many of the
"I need help" threads would get inundated with replies, pics, etc.
Can you imagine the end user having to sift through all that?
FB is searchable to some degree, but part of the problem is that it all
happens FAST; most folks have a smart device nearby at all times.
AND, smart device displays can be quite small.
Since pertinent info may get overlooked, it seemed to me that
people would hastily post solutions like "fuel pump", "AFM", etc.
when in fact a clue in the OP's post ("my fuel gauge doesn't work)
may be a clue to providing a more helpful reply. "run out of fuel?".
And, it's super easy to miss other posts that may have been leading
to a better diagnosis. A "drill down" systematic trouble shooting session
can be had on something like FB but typically, I saw sessions that
would offer so many possible causes to a given issue, that it
would be VERY easy for the end user to chase too
many leads, needlessly.

All that said, it's a fun user experience but as a means
for diagnosing, it can be a real mess. Unlike the samba,
there's no easy method to "Preview" and check your reply.
And on something like an email list, I think there's more
incentive for one to double check before hitting "Send"
(says he who tends to post edited replies.  ha ha )

Neil.

--
Neil n

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