Asking 'stupid' questions.........?

I think we often say ' i know this is a stupid question but... " in order to preempt the response "don't you know that??" I agree that feeling stupid stops us from learning and being curious. Maybe we could start a thread of questions too stupid to ask?! And see if GNetters will be nice to us?

A few times I have read enquiries on GN that have been answered curtly with the words 'Google it' or 'Google is your friend'. Am I being stupid in asking if other people find this dismissive or maybe even rude?

I hope we will see people bravely asking questions they feared others would see as stupid and that they will get helpful and kind answers. Lets see!

Another technique sometimes used on GN is to ignore the 'stupid' question and hope the questioner goes away.

I've just asked a 'stupid' question on the Assisted travel thread. I referred to my question as the 'idiot' question. I'm hoping for an answer soon. I'm sure, in this instance it will be a friendly, helpful response.

When people ask for references to articles, it is a well-known delaying tactic as in: you cannot prove what you have written.Equally, information researched for a post on GN does not constitute an essay that needs references to verify it; it is usually an opinion based on a multitude of sources.
And some questions are quite deliberately an attempt to embroil a poster in a pointless discussion.

Ok here is my stupid question. It's about toilets and how to clean them, esp around under the rim. I was sittinv in my bathroom floor recently reading a book (don't ask) and noticed u der the rim is filthy... . We moved in 3 years ago so i honestly dont think it's us. But now..what to do..? Am tempted to buy a new loo and start from scratch. The thought of cleaning it turns my stomach. So two questions: how to clean it and is it worth it?? Please don't tell me I am stupid or dirty!!

Apols for stupid typos..no edit button....

There are no “stupid” questions

Franski

If you decide to replace your loo, get a rimless one.

So, sooo much easier to keep clean!

I found when I had asked, what I didn't really think was a stupid question, someone jumped straight in and said "oh we had that question a while ago, maybe check next time you post"
I became a lurker for a while after that, it can put people off posting when you get a response like that

Franski you've really got me wondering why you were sitting reading a book on your bathroom floor now

Maybe Franski is like me and spends time sitting on the bathroom floor while her grandchild is sitting on the potty!
Or….maybe it’s a stupid question! 😆

Btw I should have said I am reading the book to grandchild!

And yes Franski I would have the toilet replace if you can afford it. We rent our home and replaced the toilet as I could never get the stains out of the bottom of the pan. It’s less unpleasant cleaning a loo when you know who’s “mess” it is and the satisfaction of knowing it’s all shining and clean makes it less of a chore. I used to be a school cleaner so I’ve come across some revolting toilet pans!

Thanks so much for responses!! I didn't realise there were rimless loos! And yes, i agree. ..your own dirt easier to cope with than other people's. Reading on bathroom floor is best way to finish a good book when family staying and filling all the spaces. ..!

Another magic eraser is quite cheap and will remove stains round the rim of a toilet seat but it may also need a bit of elbow grease for the first time.

I once had a boss who used to ask questions by saying he only had a simple mind so could it be explained in a simple manner. He was far from simple but it meant he got a good understanding of situations.

A not another

eazybee The purpose of giving links, is 1) to stop people asking for the proof for what facts or statistics one has written. The eevidence is in the link, and 2) Not everyone is confident googling, or has the skills to judge the results and often the information they need is quite specific and there is a government or charity or similar website that gives all the information they require on an authoritative and accessible fashion.

I have yet to see anyone write that they do not want to read the solution to a vexing problem by reading the relevant Age UK or Citizen's Advice site but rather just read what GN members think (often incorrectly)

Cossy

There are no “stupid” questions

👏👏👏👏👏

Labradora

Cossy

There are no “stupid” questions

👏👏👏👏👏

Errr, is the moon made of blue cheese?
Is thunder God moving his furniture around?
Are pink clouds really candy floss? 😄 All questions asked by my young DGS.All things that other kids at school believed.

On the dirty under rim of the loo thing, you really do need to get on the floor to see this and once seen never forgotten 😲
I use Cif and a brillo pad with my marigolds on.

Nobody should be made to feel stupid for asking a question, and it’s sad if that happens.We can all help each other out on here.

Sometimes its our own fear of being thought stupid, when actually other people would not think that at all. its interesting to read the contributions so far. And I am tempted to say 'yes the moon is made of blue cheese....' but will refrain as truth matters!

Magenta8

A few times I have read enquiries on GN that have been answered curtly with the words 'Google it' or 'Google is your friend'. Am I being stupid in asking if other people find this dismissive or maybe even rude?

It depends what it is. If someone is asking for the postcode of XYZ main office then it would take no time to google it. There are those who seem to see others as their personal secretaries.

But as often as not it is a wriggle - a bit like 'educate yourself' - when people don't have an answer, or are fully aware that they are talking through a hole in their hat.

As others have posted get a rimless toilet. Recently I bought a rimless, raised toilet. Can’t believe how much easier it is to perch on it.

Heading now to sit on the bathroom floor……..!