Expert: Marvinator - 7/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Although there has been some marginal improvement recently, it seems that the typical way of getting a question answered BY eBAY is to (1) Briefly post one's question; (2# select one of five questions that is closest to the one being asked--although none of the five have anything to do with the inquiry; then #3) wait a day or two to get an answer that fairly wriggles with joy at the opportunity to assist--but which, again, has nothing to do with the actual question being asked; until, finally, one either throws in the towel or poses the same question in one of the forums.

Do the ones answering the questions posed ever READ THEM, or is it done by keyword-recognition software without human intervention? I signed up for eBay Bucks; the last screen said that "You're all set.  The Beta starts April 1st"; I ask "April 1st 2009 or 2010?"; and I get instructions on how to sign up for eBay Bucks!

Thanks much.

Mac

ANSWER: In many ways, using the Ebay help system is only good if you want to know basic information.  Anything more than that is difficult for them to manage.  

When you really need something, go to the discussion forums and boards. This is "users helping users" and can get you a better answer quicker than even the "live help" feature.  

I always start with the discussion forums.  Here your question is posted permanently and you can check back from time to time for responses.  If you need a quick response, you can use the forums, and also post in the chat rooms.  These are merely live action posting boards but your question will scroll off in a couple of hours.  There are many good sellers who hang out on these boards and can not only give you a quick answer but temper it with a bit of experience.  

I hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Considering I've been an eBay member for 9 years I feel like a dummy for not knowing the proper etiquette, but exactly how does one post a question?  If a "Search" doesn't reveal anything similar to my question do I just bull right in and post my question, or do I wait to be acknowledged?  Will the answers also be posted there, or can I request that it be e-mailed to me? (I'm afraid that it will be answered by a half-dozen, but I won't know where to look and my perception will be that nobody responded.

(And if you ever have a question regarding "Decks" I'd be honored to return the favor).

Mac

Answer
I'm not sure there is any real "ettiquette" other than being polite and including as much information as you can.   

In the discussion forums you can simply post your question without any introductions.  In the live discussion boards, you can post immediately, but remember one salient fact:  In the boards such as the CAfe, they are not paid to respond and may not respond if they have no real answer.  Click RELOAD to view new posts.  If you do not get a response, try waiting a while, such as an hour or so, and post your question again when others may be hanging out there.

I will also share some of the many problems that people get into posting questions in the User-to-User areas.

First is that they treat the boards as if someone SHOULD answer and get belligerent when the posters continue on about their gardens and such.  No one is PAID to answer, and in fact they may not.  Don't expect it.  

Second, don't go in looking for validation.  Many times posters are looking for someone to just agree with them. Then, when the responses don't agree, they continue to press their own agenda hoping that they can change the views.  Always keep an open mind.  

Third, don't use all caps and use good english.  (Using "haxxor shrthand" 2 post a msg won't get you a quick response.)  

Last, always thank the posters for their help.  Remember no one is forced to respond.  

There may be others I've not thought of but this should get you going.