Don't Ask to Ask
Don't ask to ask a question in chat, or on iris. Just ask your question!
Asking to ask is pointless. Either someone will answer your question, or they wont. Corollary: Don't be Impatient. Sometimes, people are busy, and might take more than 10 seconds to respond.
Bad Convo Example:
9:00 You: Can I get some help with something?
... waiting ...
9:10 You: can I get someone to help me?
9:15 ubergeek: My bad, I was busy... What do you need?
9:18 You: My foo isn't bar'ing! And I have no idea what to do.
9:19 ubergeek: Oh, you have to flim the flam, and then foo will bar.Good Convo Example:
9:00 You: I need some help, my foo isn't bar'ing. Anyone to lend a hand?
9:15 ubergeek: Sorry, was busy. But you need to flim the flam, then your foo will bar.
9:16 You: Thanks! I owe you a beer!In bad convo, your resolution took longer, and you likely irritated ubergeek by being impatient. In Good Convo, your problem was resolved a bit quicker, and ubergeek was happy to help!
PS Ubergeek is happy to help, regardless.