I've just completed a forum and email answer to a chap who's been questioning me / asking me for support on ((exact technical subject doesn't matter)). It seems that this person is really in a very sticky position at work - I could paraphrase his message to read "I've got to get this working or get out" and my natural reaction has been to do what I can to help. But can I truely help?

My correspondent is very unclear about his specification and what he's trying to solve, and has only a very limited knowledge of the underlying programming language that he's using. He's also writing to me in his second (or perhaps third) language as I don't have any knowledge of his native tongue, and it's at best a frustrating and wasteful exercise for both of us. I've had to turn round and say that, much as I would like to be able to help further, he'll move forward far more effectively if he finds a training course or mentor in his locale / language.
(written 2005-07-25 08:07:51)

 G305 - Well House Consultants - Post Course support
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Trainer answers phone
No Smoking
One mans pleasure is another mans poison
Moderating wiki, blog, and forum contributions
Tough Love
BBQ Season
Training course plans for 2006
What is a callback?
Feast or famine
Managing conflict and disappointment