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"How to ask questions the smart way"
as if anybody who would read that much before asking a question would need that help in the first place.
To offer a bit more "terse" guidelines...
1. don't panic
2. read the FAQ first
3. search the site first. like, with the search tool.
4. use clear, simple english.
5. give specific details.
6. thank people.
There good reasons for this that I started to write, but think about them, it just makes sense.
And I just looked at that "how to ask questions" page and it is really really good. If looking at the whole page makes you feel tired, just scroll through fast and read the bold parts. seriously.