STAMP: Search first. PLEASE. by Emotikonz on DeviantArt (original) (raw)
Seriously, this is just basic logic:
Even if I get your message right away, it will still take me several minutes to find the answers I think you're looking for and compile them for you.
Chances are I don't even have the information you're looking for.
Chances are also pretty good the problem has nothing to do with me specifically or anything I have been made or done, but a general question that has been asked many times already. (At best, I or something I have made or done coincides with you needing the information.)
Googling (or using Bing) will load within SECONDS.
You didn't expect anyone else to do your work for you, so they don't resent you!
You alone know exactly what you're looking for, so you alone can know whether you have found it.
Personal Clarification
NB: I am willing to provide help for:
Problems or questions specific to things I have made or done
Problems or questions that you believe I can answer that are so rare as to not appear in deviantART's FAQ and Help system or Google's results
Clarification on using features that I have experience in that are inadequately described in the help/FAQ/etc
Redirecting to good resource groups such as #Emotication and recommending artists/resources/tutorials (however don't forget you can use deviantART search!)
GOOD QUESTIONS:
How do you shade the text to look recessed? This is something I personally do.
How do you do that shine effect? I have my own method for soft shine and bubble gloss, so you won't find a tutorial on this.
Are you going to be making an avatar or [name] since you have done [name] and [name]? This is specific to something I do that you are wanting more information about.
May I please use [piece] in [project]? Good on you for asking. This is not an aswer Google or dA's FAQ can give since it is based on my choice.
BAD QUESTIONS
How do I open/unzip a zip/rar file? This... is an unbelievably common question there is PLENTY of help for without even scrolling past the first page . It is not worth waiting the ten minutes to a day-and-a-half for me to receive your message and answer it.
How do u maek stamps/emotes Hey, guess, what? deviantART has a tutorial section! And you can search for stamps, emoticons, or sprites at your leisure! In the case of emoticons, I recommend #Emotication. They have a list of great tutorials, projects, mentors and more!