<<Thanks, but with more than 1/2 dozen replies from you, you can retain ownership.>>
For the record:
The first post had a tutorial on how to cut and paste. Its level of sarcasm was mild compared to the level of negativity that engendered it, but it was factually correct, and intended to draw him back into a dialog even if it was only to complain some more (“I’m not an idiot, I know how to cut and paste”). His first post indicated he had ZERO intention of creating a dialog or asking for help, so I had nothing to lose.
My second post listed solutions to his three problems. For the first cut and paste issue, I did a tutorial. For the second, I suggested he had entered offset mode. For the third, since he was non-specific about his problems, I mentioned there was documentation. A lot of people don’t think to click on help.
In my third post, I defended him with some humor by saying he could very well be legit because he didn’t say two things that trolls love to say. Perfect entrance for him to say “You’re right, I’m not a troll, but I hate Sonar because...” and again, a chance for a dialog would have happened.
In my fourth post, I said don’t flag him because if he didn’t return and was a troll, a had a comedic post (which I did NOT post in case he was legit). And frankly, if he is a troll, a little levity would be welcome.
In my fifth post, I agreed that he should not be flagged out of the thread but given a chance to elaborate on his issues.
In my sixth post I said I doubted he’d be back, but I agreed it was worth giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Hardly incendiary stuff and despite his being rude, using language which is not proper (everyone knows what POS stands for and he put it in the THREAD TITLE), and plugging another program, I kept saying to give him the benefit of the doubt.
You can think those are lame responses; I disagree. I’m also quite sure my assessment of his sincerity is correct. We’ve had much more frustrated people come into the forum, but they at least had a veneer of civility over their frustration so they were treated with civility. Anyone who has come into the forum truly seeking how to fix problems has been responded to with respect, even though in some cases it was debatable whether they deserved it at first. Those who come in here looking to push a one-way personal agenda of negativity shouldn’t be surprised if they are not well-received by the community.