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SandShark
So it goes
Premium,MVM
join:2000-05-23
Santa Fe, TX
clubs:
 ·Verizon Online DSL
|  [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice?
That thread got me to wondering. Where should the line be drawn, if at all, when it comes to offering advice to do-it-yourselfers that could be considered dangerous? I know many of you (for lack of a better word) hate calling in professionals to make repairs and/or improvements because of one reason or another, so it's not likely you would suggest to someone a professional be called. That's understandable, but we have threads where homeowners/tenants are seeking advice on installing/rewiring breaker panels, changing receptacles, installing/wiring ceiling fans, working on gas and oil furnaces/boilers, working on A/C units and any number of tasks involving electricity and other potentially dangerous situations which, if performed in an unsafe manner, could get someone seriously injured or killed. Plus, how do we know how competent someone is when it comes to performing these repairs and/or improvements?
If someone we gave advice to was injured or killed because they were doing something home repair related, are we prepared to take some of the responsibility for that happening? Could there be legal ramifications? If there are limits to the advice we should be offering, are there specific and definable limits or is it on a case-by-case basis. Should there be some kind of disclaimer associated with each post when advice is given that might involve potentially dangerous situations? What say you? | |
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ninjatutle
Premium
join:2006-01-02
San Ramon, CA | Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? I hope DSLR doesn't sell us out if they subpoena any one of us. There should be a blanket clause on here stating they can't sue us even in the event of a death. | |
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wilbilt
Pronto Resurrected
Premium
join:2004-01-11
Oroville, CA
| Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? said by ninjatutle  :I hope DSLR doesn't sell us out if they subpoena any one of us. There should be a blanket clause on here stating they can't sue us even in the event of a death. DSLR wouldn't have to sell us out. Our ISPs are already under orders to provide traffic history and monitoring to the feds on demand.
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We were taking a vote when the ground came up and hit us. | |
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ctceo
Premium
join:2001-04-26
South Bend, IN
clubs: | Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? Gotta Love it.
"Privacy, Whats that?" - US Patriot Act | |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs:
| I said it before and I didn't see it posted when you start a thread that "any advice used is under you own accord",etc,etc,etc.
Also I really don't like thread where legalities come in. It's akin to some one in the computer hardware forum asking if they should sue if a issue get taken to court.
This forums really should be for really simple home repairs and improvements. Not for legalities where a retaining a lawyer is a no brainer. | |
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ArthurS
Watch Those Blinking Lights
Premium
join:2000-10-28
Hamilton, ON
| What troubles me the most is when people here reply to topics that are clearly out of their league, especially when it comes to code requirements and safety. But I guess you'll get that with any public forum, free advice, take it for what it's worth. There are some very smart people who participate here, and if the question is in an area that I'm not qualified to answer, I'll defer to those who know better. | |
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Jodokast96
R.I.P Bassman442
Premium
join:2005-11-23
Erial, NJ
·Verizon Online DSL
| Not even a lurker myself, but just an occasinal drive by reader, that line in the FAQ really should preceed the starting of a new topic just as a CYA. I and many others know enough to realize that, but there's always some idiot out there.
As to SandShark 's original point, I think that a forum with good, knowledgeable regulars know just where the line is, as shown in the link above. As every situation is a bit different, what may be ok in one may not be ok in a near identical case, but I have a pretty good feeling that most of you (good, knowledgeable, regulars that is) know a bad one when you see it, and will say enough is enough. | |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs:
| Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? said by Jodokast96 :Not even a lurker myself, but just an occasinal drive by reader, that line in the FAQ really should preceed the starting of a new topic just as a CYA. I and many others know enough to realize that, but there's always some idiot out there. Exactly like IIRC in Security or Broadband Tweaks, have the FAQ shown when starting a new topic. | |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs: | Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here. | |
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Warzau
Premium
join:2000-10-26
Naperville, IL
clubs:
| Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice? said by Dennis :said by Warzau :That's great, but honestly perhaps it should be everytime, especially when you get Anon coming here. Anon's get it every single time... Gotcha! | |
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Greg_Z
Premium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL
 ·Comcast
| I like this one better:
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. DIYChatroom.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any home improvement task!"http://www.diychatroom.com/showthread.php?t=33537 | |
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cdru
Go Colts
Premium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN
| said by Jodokast96 :As to SandShark 's original point, I think that a forum with good, knowledgeable regulars know just where the line is, as shown in the link above. As every situation is a bit different, what may be ok in one may not be ok in a near identical case, but I have a pretty good feeling that most of you (good, knowledgeable, regulars that is) know a bad one when you see it, and will say enough is enough. Agreed. Our resident subject matter experts know when enough is enough and usually say so. For the non resident experts, when bad advice is given they are usually called on it.
I much prefer it this way then in several other forums I've been too over the years where they provide essentially zero help to the average DIYer/non-industry individual even for things that are trivial, don't require formal education/training, and are relatively safe. | |
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sailor
Merry Whatever ..R.I.P. dadkins
Premium
join:2003-10-21
Long Island
2 edits | said by SandShark :If someone we gave advice to was injured or killed because they were doing something home repair related, are we prepared to take some of the responsibility for that happening? Could there be legal ramifications? If there are limits to the advice we should be offering, are there specific and definable limits or is it on a case-by-case basis. Should there be some kind of disclaimer associated with each post when advice is given that might involve potentially dangerous situations? What say you? No, no and no is my opinion.
Making suggestions to someone or advice or whatever we want to label it is just that..Advice and suggestions. No way should anyone be held liable for anything beyond that. Like tire recommendations..You will find them in the automotive forum here as well as all over the internet...If I ask for tire recommendations and you suggest Firestone sTvS's cause you are happy with them and then I go buy them and then immediately have a blow-out which causes me to have a wreck no way could you or anyone else be held accountable for your 'suggestion'. Like most everything on the internet, suggestions and opinions should be taken for what they are...someones opinion...
Now, as for where the line gets drawn it would have to be where someone asks for help and to use your example with an electrical problem. The line would be crossed where someone here gives advice but states that it is illegal and dangerous but they will come to the persons house and do it anyway for them for a fee. Now that is crossing the line..Offering to do something for someone that one knows is illegal or against code...But I have never seen that situation arise here and I am sure if it did the forums mods would make that thread vanish immediately.
The reply that Dennis made above... »Re: [OT] When To Stop Giving Advice?
covers what anyone who is new to posting here needs to know.
Suggestions, advice and opinions on the internet...all should be weighed carefully by the person asking for advice.
If individuals were held liable for their suggestions then we wouldn't see medical sites that reply to questions about health issues as they all will tell you they are nothing but opinions. | |
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ninjatutle
Premium
join:2006-01-02
San Ramon, CA | Maybe we should just keep this forum for registered members. I've noticed this forum has picked up a lot of anons daily seeking help. This is a broadband site, not a DIY home fix it type of place. | |
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jaa
Premium,MVM
join:2000-06-13 | ...on second thought, I've decided to stop giving advice.  | |
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