Because of my work, I have to deal with a lot of people. My preferred way to communicate is to become a client first, then a friend. Don’t lead with emotional appeals when approaching strangers.
To keep things running smoothly, let’s get a few unpleasant truths out of the way upfront. That way, we can avoid misunderstandings later—and there have already been some unpleasant experiences.
1. I love sharing, but I absolutely hate being taken advantage of for free. What I hate most is when you use someone else’s referral code, then bombard me with private messages asking questions.
2. I have very little patience for stupidity. I spend ages writing guides, and then people don’t read them and ask me questions that are already answered in the articles. When that happens, I immediately label you as unreliable—and, in serious cases, I’ll think you’re a fucking idiot. I’ve talked before about the guide paradox: you think writing a guide will save you time, but it ends up costing you more time. That extra time gets wasted on people like this.
3. If you treat me like a scholar, I’ll repay you like a scholar; if you treat me like customer service, I’ll repay you by treating you like a fucking idiot. You get only three chances if you disrespect my time by treating me like customer support or a free tutor. My rule is three questions: under normal circumstances, if we aren’t very close, I’ll answer three of your questions. Any more than that, and I’m afraid I can’t help you.
4. If you want to learn something, either invest your own time or spend your own money—there’s no other way. If you want to use someone else’s time without spending your own money, feel free to head for the door. Other people’s time is valuable. If you don’t value their time, don’t expect them to respect you or yours.
5. To some friends who keep asking me questions: if I stop replying to you, it means I don’t want to reply anymore.
To keep things running smoothly, let’s get a few unpleasant truths out of the way upfront. That way, we can avoid misunderstandings later—and there have already been some unpleasant experiences.
1. I love sharing, but I absolutely hate being taken advantage of for free. What I hate most is when you use someone else’s referral code, then bombard me with private messages asking questions.
2. I have very little patience for stupidity. I spend ages writing guides, and then people don’t read them and ask me questions that are already answered in the articles. When that happens, I immediately label you as unreliable—and, in serious cases, I’ll think you’re a fucking idiot. I’ve talked before about the guide paradox: you think writing a guide will save you time, but it ends up costing you more time. That extra time gets wasted on people like this.
3. If you treat me like a scholar, I’ll repay you like a scholar; if you treat me like customer service, I’ll repay you by treating you like a fucking idiot. You get only three chances if you disrespect my time by treating me like customer support or a free tutor. My rule is three questions: under normal circumstances, if we aren’t very close, I’ll answer three of your questions. Any more than that, and I’m afraid I can’t help you.
4. If you want to learn something, either invest your own time or spend your own money—there’s no other way. If you want to use someone else’s time without spending your own money, feel free to head for the door. Other people’s time is valuable. If you don’t value their time, don’t expect them to respect you or yours.
5. To some friends who keep asking me questions: if I stop replying to you, it means I don’t want to reply anymore.
