Stupid Questions

[Bearman202]

It occurred to me that there may be many people out there who are just starting out in preparing who are afraid of asking questions because they're worried about sounding stupid. Let me put that one to rest immediately: The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. If you want to know something, ask. I don't know it all. I doubt anybody here knows it all. I do know some, and am learning more every day, but I don't know it all. I learn more every day by asking questions. I ask them of myself, and go look them up on the net, or I ask people who might know the answer. My attitude on that is the only stupid question is the one I didn't ask out of embarrassment or whatever that got me killed or injured later. Nobody is born knowing this stuff. There are people on here who have been doing this a long time, and others who are just starting out, and a LOT of others who are somewhere in between. In other words, if you don't know, ask. When you get an answer, evaluate it, see if it's right for you in your personal situation, then go from there. The worst thing you can possibly do is sit there in silence out of fear of not looking "smart enough" or "savvy" or whatever.

Hey, that's why we all have screen names, right? :)

[BigJohn]

Exactly right. I think we are all here to learn and help each other as much as possible. I have been doing this for over 20 years and I learn something new every day. You can bet I ask questions...probably stupid ones. Nobody has flamed me yet.

[1Admin]

Considering what we are all doing this for (survival), the need for knowledge should overcome any pride issues that people have may in asking questions.

Just remember that everyone answers questions, makes posts, talks, out of THEIR OWN PERSPECTIVE.

Good thread, thank you.

[georgiamom]

Thank you so much for your comment. I can't tell you how many times I have written a comment or question, only to go back and remove it because I felt it might look stupid. I know I need to get past this, and your sensitivity to this issue has helped.

[Gordon]

We all started at some point and we all had to learn as we went. I know some of the folks here and I will go so far as to say any question will get an answer and not ridicule. If we knew it all we would not be here reading and posting. This prepping thing is kind of like AA- you get some theraputic benefit yourself when you share it.

[Bearman202]

I don't really have anything to add, but a LOT of new people have signed on here since this was posted, so I thought I'd comment on it to get it back to the top. I have learned a LOT since I first posted this, and have gotten a lot of tips on websites and other things that really help. Keep it coming, folks!

[slingshot]

I think it was Mark Twain that said, "All people are ignorant, just on different things!" If you have a question that you are worried it might sound stupid, ask it anyway. There's probably somebody out there that was wondering the same thing. If you get flamed, whoever flamed you is at fault, not you. I think it was Einstein that said (paraphasing,) "Everybody is born into this world stupid, some fight to stay that way!" Ask your question. If people hadn't been questioning types, we would all be still living in a cave eating raw meat and wiping our butt with our hand!

[610Alpha]

I agree, ditto what slingshot said about someone else thinking the same question. When I was in college I always asked questions, had one prof call me a live wire, I took it as a compliment. He probably said that cause I was always asking him questions especially when he contradicted himself, LOL. He was one of my favorite, Chemistry Prof, not an arrogant bone in his body. Wish more teachers were like him.

Ask away I say!

[Mikeg175]

Wow , I can't believe this , but I am adding my .02$ to a forum , Im usually just a reader . Asking questions is great and this forum seems to do well with responding to them with great patience and commitment , I will make sure to ask them a lot . This isn't about how to make my "blah blah" better this is about the survival of my 2yr old , my wife and myself , so be prepared for a lot of redundant questions .

[Bearman202]

The thing I've noticed the most is that someone will ask a question about something I hadn't even thought of. That's the real benefit for me, and hopefully, they will keep coming.

[Davar]

Here's a "stupid" question: Acronyms.... there used A LOT here especially in the gear room. I can figure some out, but am stumped on others like IFAK, does it mean in feild _____ kit?

[monkeybird]

I learned in college, that there are no STUPID questions. I also discovered that believe it or not, most people want to know the answer to the question you've asked. It's easy for long time survivalist to talk the lingo, but when I first started, the lingo made no sense.

Please guys ask more stupid questions so I can learn the answer to a question I haven't thought to ask.

[610Alpha]

IFAK - Improved First Aid Kit

I have created an Acronym Blog article.

[Lowdown3]

Individual First Aid Kit- IFAK

[sirhuntalot1]

Im more of the reading type myself also I like to visit different website to see what everyone has to offer. This is a great site with a lot of needed information for everyone. Im not the greatest poster on any website but will try to get a word in edge wise when I can. Will also try to use OPSEC as much as possible also very important. Just wanted to note another great website "The Frugal Squirrel" if anyone would like to check it out, I visit there from time to time. I appreciate all those that contribute to these sites. Thanks again Sirhuntalot1