RTFM |
RTFM is an initialism for the statement Read The Fucking Manual . This instruction is usually given in response to a question that can be answered easily by reading relevant documentation, and suggests that the inquirer may be wasting people s time.
In computer technical support it also commonly refers to Reboot The Fucking Machine, an aptly prescribed first line of troubleshooting that has been widely recognized to solve a great majority of computer problems. It implies exasperation at minimal problem-solving initiative.
To avoid the use of the expletive fuck in the statement (which is offensive to some people), the F is often translated to another adjective, such as Freaking , Full , Fine , Friendly , Fabulous , or Fascinating . Alternatively, the F can be dropped entirely and the initialism rendered as RTM (Read The Manual).
=Related Terms=
Other derivatives of this expression found in ).
In some Commonwealth of Nations countries, a few hackers prefer to use RTBM or Read The Bloody Manual as an initial reply. If the discussion escalates, RTFMs are used to reply.
In , RTFC ( Read The Fucking Card ) is used when someone expresses uncertainty about how a card works.
There is also a French magazine titled RTFM - Read That Friendly Magazine. It costs 2 in Metropolitan France and contains computer jokes and stickers.
=Criticism=
Critics would say that frequent users of the phrase (or similar sentiments) are simply expressing elitism, and that their attitude drives away newcomers without helping them. Their time could better be spent adding the question to a FAQ, pointing the user to a helpful website, or simply not responding. One of the most frequent criticisms of the open source community (where this initialism is often found), is lack of friendly support for newcomers. Some might respond to this criticism by citing the importance of the principle of trying to find answers on one s own before asking others for help. An Internet_forum where users read the FAQ before posting their questions is more likely to have a better Signal_to_noise_ratio than one that is filled with repetitive postings, and hence is more likely to attract continued participation. When evaluating whether it is acceptable to express sentiments like RTFM, one must consider the trade-off between maintaining the usability of an Internet forum for its existing users, and making a forum welcoming to newcomers.
=A Second Opinion=
There are many members of the hacking community who respond to almost any in-depth technical question with the response, RTFM. While most see this as simple elitism, some hackers have suggested that it is actually the best advice that an aspiring hacker can recieve. The underlying principle (or so they claim) is that hacking is a dynamic art, which requires independance and drive on the part of the hacker. The consistent use of RTFM is therefore understood amongst those who hold this view as more of a long-term advisement than it is a response to any single query.
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