Is A Guru Allowed To Ask Basic Questions?

Is A Guru Allowed To Ask Basic Questions?

Mind you, that’s not a dumb question. At least not in context,
as the poster was wondering about the effect on the “guru’s”
image, etc. But the question does showcase some problems with
the way many people think about “experts.” And questions.

Part of the problem with the question is that it assumes
“guru” means “knows everything.” Or, more precisely, that the
“guru” thinks other people assume that and actually cares about
such silly assumptions.

Many experienced people do, unfortunately. That tends to
create all sorts of problems.

The word “guru,” by itself, prejudices the question. That’s a
major reason that highly experienced people so often hate the
word. It has connotations that are harmful to communications
and relationships. It isolates people and creates artificial
restrictions.

The way it’s used in this industry, the word “guru” is
tantamount to profanity.

The most common answer to the original poster was that it’s
fine – as long as the questions aren’t about areas in which
they sell how-to products, or other forms of packaged
expertise.

As far as that… so what if they are?

Even the most advanced person will find gaps in their
knowledge, sometimes at the most basic levels. Or they’ll see a
fine point or nuance they haven’t dealt with and wonder if
anyone else has.

For example, suppose you get someone who’s done amazing things
with run-of-network banner ads. They could have mastered a
certain approach, and then see a style of banner, or a process
following the click, that looks promising. Is their experience
less valuable or established if they ask about that in a forum?

No. Not at all.

Nonetheless, there will be people who assume the “guru” is a
fake because they’ve admitted they don’t know everything.

If you think this way, you’re in dire need of massive
infusions of Clue. You don’t get to be an expert by assuming
you know everything. The instant you make that assumption, you
give up any claim to expertise, and go back to depending on
memories.

Memories fade. So does expertise that isn’t regularly
refreshed.

Want to get along well with your peers? Besides being human,
there are two things you need to remember. Well, more, but two
that relate to this question:

* Everyone is a genius at something.
* No-one knows everything about anything.

That’s worth spending some time considering.

If you remember those two things when you look at questions,
you’ll avoid a lot of dangerous and unsupportable assumptions.
And your responses will be more useful and focused.””