How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

Prompted by the discussion and submission here:

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1994998

I've realised that most of the material there is already present in Raymond's essay, albeit more abrasively written. There's also a lot in common with Carnegie's "How To Win Friends ...", and several other older essays that I've seen.

There's a common theme - do the work first, only ask the question after you've demonstrated that you've put in the effort. This is very like the "Proof of Work" spam avoidance idea - make someone prove they're serious by dedicating some CPU for every recipient.

The same is true of CVs I receive. They claim all these wonderful skills and personality traits, but offer very little proof of their claims. They say "Work well in a team, or when self-directed." without showing any evidence.

Show me the money! Where's the beef?

Show me you're serious, and I'll take you seriously.