A (not very brief) response...and a rant of my own
Believe me when I say I also feel frustration...but I force myself to take a step back and remember that people have made the effort to join this website and ask for help (whether they choose to follow it or not). It is very easy to be steered wrong by pet stores, simply because logic tells us that if that is their job...they must know what they're talking about. To take the extra step of joining a site for additional confirmation or questions is something to be commended for.
I feel more frustration with existing members who have no clue of what the answer is to a question...yet feel like they have to provide some sort of input (occasionally to the detriment of the fish they are supposedly helping). I don't know if this is to increase post counts (which mean nothing), or perhaps some of it is being good natured and trying to help...but causing more harm than good with their limited knowledge.
I've seen examples ranging everywhere from people advising that a pH of 7.6 is too high and they need to bring it down...all the way to advising a fish should be euthanized when the issue is obviously a simple case of constipation when an experienced member gets to the thread. If you don't know how to help...don't just blindly advise an OP on steps to take. It's okay if you don't know.
I totally agree with the financial aspect. Would you buy a dog if you couldn't afford dog food? I see people in the classifieds section asking for free tanks, filters, water conditioner, decorations, etc...because they can't afford it. My question is...what if your impeller breaks? What if you need medications? If something goes wrong do you just say "Oh well, I can't afford it, I guess I'll just have to watch them die."? I cant tell you how many times I've had to make an emergency dash to the lfs and drop $100+ for some unexpected reason. Yeah, if thats not something you're capable of...I do believe you have no business owning a pet who solely depends on you for its survival. It's sad that people don't view fish with the same respect for life as other pets...but unfortunately that's the word we live in. All we can do as experienced hobbyists is try to make a dent in the belief, and help the people who are willing to accept our input.
As for spelling / grammar. Agreed. if you don't make an effort to present yourself well...people will not take you seriously, members will not understand you, others may be less willing to help...and it simply makes you look like you don't have any class. This is a forum of helpful people doing our best to assist you with your concerns...try and show us respect by taking an extra few seconds to type entire words out.
Also, this is not a social network. We're not on Facebook, Twitter, etc... If you're posting in the help forums...please ask questions or provide advice. Threads about "My friend has Guppies...they're so cute!" really have no place in any area other than the Lounge.
Also, starting 4 threads on the exact same topic because you're not getting answers fast enough is not acceptable IMO. Chances are the same members will see the question regardless of it's place...and dividing information over several threads will lead to confusion and most likely less efficient advice.
Lastly...we have a search feature and stickys...please try to use them when you can. If you believe you have a common question...I guarantee it's been addressed a million times. Fish have Ich? There's a great sticky here. Cycling questions? Several stickys covering every aspect.
When the last hurricane was about to hit the east coast...it seemed every 10 minutes there was a new thread called "What do I do if power goes out?" Taking an extra 20 seconds to search would have provided tons of info...as well as preventing clutter on the site. There's also a thing on the Internet called Google.
In short...this site is full of fantastic members and information...we just ask that you help us help you
.