Ask Questions like a Boss!
Title: Provide summary of your situation. Think of it as of a technical book title.
In a long list of topics title "Google Sheet doesn't get updated" will outcompete topics titled "I have a problem", "Need help URGENTLY!"
It will also attract attention of the knowledgeable people.
Initial post: Do not ignore the template offered when you start a new topic in Questions.
Post an interactive copy of your workflow. Click to learn how.
Often the problem stems from data (its structure or content). This is true with the logical mistakes that may not manifest themselves in error messages.
Execute the workflow (even if it fails) and pin data in critical nodes. You will want to pin data where the reader would need access that may not have (e.g. HTTP Request, Google Sheets read, AI Agents etc). Then post the workflow with the pinned data.
One interactive workflow with pinned data is worth 100s of screenshots and 1000s of words. Well, expalanations in plain language are still required.
Interactive workflows can be copy-pasted onto the workflow canvas, fixed there and pasted back to you ready to use. Make the helpers' life easier by posting interactive workflows and you will be rewarded.
Post error messages. Prefer text format. Even if you post a screenshot also provide a textual copy of the error.
Side effect: you will need to read the error carefully and may suddenly find a response to your question.
Common pitfalls
- Accept the fact that the readers do not have all the context that you have. Be explicit and open.
- Describe your objective and the problem that you have not just the solution that fails.
- Do not ignore questions addressed to you.
- Read responses carefully.
- Do you homework.
Help to help you. Do not ignore questions and asks from people that try to help you.
Ask questions if you do not understand something.
Give a like to every post that helps you to make progress.
Mark a post that helped you to resolve your issue as a ✅ Solution. This way other people will be able to spot a solution when they seek resolution to a problem similar to the one you had.
If you get help for free give back. Likes, thanks, recognitions and responses in general cost no money.
If you found a solution to your own question, share it.
An interactive workflow is worth dozens of screenshots.
Here is how to post a workflow on the forum properly.
(a) execute the workflow,
(b) pin critical data that other users cannot have (from e.g. HTTP request or Google Sheet, Airtable etc),
(c) select the nodes you want to post and copy them (Ctrl/Cmd-C).
(a) create a post or reply,
(b) explain your case in details,
(c) click the </> button on a new line,
(d) paste the workflow JSON (Ctrl/Cmd-V)
Check if the workflow is properly rendered.
Unpin the data if you do not need it anymore for your purposes.
