Re- Ally's post- Simone (C) :)

Hi, Simone.Okay, okay, I understand your frustration. I've posted lots of questions here that received no replies. What's /extra/ frustrating is when someone else asks the exact same question two months later and gets flooded with advice, long after you dealt with it on your own.But I still feel that SUBJECT HEADERS IN ALL CAPS that include phrases like "Urgent!" or "Please Help Me!!!" imply an urgency that should be reserved for, say, a bleach accident the night before your wedding. It's kind of a dishonest way to attract concerned Hair Talkers to your post. It's like me calling up my boyfriend in the middle of the night and crying, "Omigod! I think someone's breaking in!" and then when he gets here telling him, "Oh, I was just kidding. Can you help me move this sofa?"Okay, it's not that bad.It just seems that the frequency of "URGENT" posts is increasing, mostly because people don't want to wait to have their questions answered or are afraid of being overlooked. In some cases, people ask really tough questions and then get worked up when no one wants to take them. "My class reunion is tomorrow, and I need the name of a product that will make me look exactly like Uma Thurman by then! I can't afford a salon. Help!!!!" Some people are demanding the kind of advice that should really come from a professional consultation.I think the best way to get a response is to be as specific as possible in your subject header, including all relevant keywords. If you're wondering which Aveda products to try on your long, fine hair, call your post "Which Aveda Products for Long, Fine Hair?" Sometimes you need to make it clear that you're asking for advice and not just posting a commentary.If you don't get responses to that, chances are no one is available who has anything to say. I really hate it when I see the professionals, who are volunteering their time, get browbeaten into responding to someone. (I am not talking about you, Simone.) They are not employed by Hair Talk, and we aren't paying them either.Also, I can't tell you how many times I've written back to someone and gotten NO acknowledgement whatsoever. A couple of weeks ago, someone asked about Victorian ringlets from rag curlers. Since I had just learned to do this while in a play, I wrote back and explained how it was done. She ignored my reply and posted the exact same question a week later, as though no one had answered her the first time. Was she waiting for someone like Karen or william to respond? Possibly. But I was annoyed over having wasted my time. It made me less likely to help out in the future.Personally, I think we all need to exhibit more patient and respectful attitudes. People who reply to our questions are doing US a favor.Remember also, typing in all caps is the online equivalent to shouting. It is rarely well-received.AllyP.S. Simone, most of this is not directed at YOU. It's just something I've felt like saying for a while.

Dear Anonymous:1. I didn't say Simone /couldn't/ write screaming headers. I questioned whether it was necessary, and I explained my objection. (She asked me specifically.) Having the right to do something and doing the right thing are not necessarily the same.2. When have I complained recently about the way this board is run? Most of my posts are questions or advice.3. It's not particularly brave or forthright of you to post anonymously, is it? If you are a "regular member to this board" and your intentions are good and honest, shouldn't you stand behind what you say? Especially if you're going to attack me publicly, you should be honorable enough to include your name.I stand by everything I said.Ally