don't ask help |

please don't say just "help" in chat

It's like pulling a fire alarm and then walking away without explaining where the fire is. 🚨

❌ Don't do this

B
Billy 2:15 PM
help pls
A
Austin 2:19 PM
...?
B
Billy 2:20 PM
my report won't upload to the server
A
Austin 2:20 PM
check the file size, it has a 10MB limit

Note that Billy could have received an answer faster if he asked his full question up front. Instead, Austin had to wait, ask for clarification, and only then could Billy explain the real issue. That wastes time for both people.

When you just type “help,” “help pls,” or “anyone here?”, you’re putting the other person on hold while they wait for the actual question. It may seem polite, but it slows everything down and adds unnecessary back-and-forth.

The same goes for:

  • "help?"
  • "pls help"
  • "can you help real quick?"
  • "ping"
  • "anyone there?"
  • etc.

Just ask the question! 😤

✅ Instead try this

D
Dawn 2:15 PM
Howdy! I need help with my report, I am unable to upload it to the server. The file is 12MB, is there a limit?
C
Cody 2:15 PM
Yep, theres a 10MB limit. Try compressing it.
D
Dawn 2:15 PM
Gotcha, thanks!
C
Cody 2:16 PM
np 👍

See how Dawn explained the full problem immediately? That gave Cody everything he needed to help right away. No wasted time, no guessing, no back-and-forth just to figure out what the real issue was.

By asking your question up front, you:

  • Respect the other person’s time
  • Allow them to think about the solution immediately
  • Make it possible for them to respond asynchronously (they can answer later without missing context)
  • Get your answer faster

It’s okay to still be polite — “Hi, I need help with…” is perfectly fine. Just don’t stop there. Pair the greeting with your full question, and you’ll save everyone time.

When done right - everyone's happy! 🎉