[DamonHD]

One issue based on a recent HN item ... Do not imply in your question that your colleague has overlooked something obvious or easy in how something has been done: avoid "Why don't you just X?" for example. And do try to ask mainly the questions that only your colleague can answer, eg about the specific system that they are working on, and try and keep most of the background general questions for Mr Google.

[fatkam]

> "Why don't you just X?"

you are being too "polite" ... I think it can be a fair question.

[DamonHD]

If you start from the position that they are a fool with the words that you use, you are unlikely to get anywhere good.

Your colleague may be a fool, but that's not the way to learn anything useful from them, or to verify the fact.

[fatkam]

I don't think you are a fool because I ask such a question... I am honestly asking.

[DamonHD]

If yout put the word "just" in there like that then the strong implication is that it was an obvious thing to do and only a fool would have failed to try/do it. It's called a leading question. If that's not what you intend to imply then choose different words.

[fatkam]

true, I probably would not have included the word "just".. but I would still would have gave that person the benefit of the doubt