1½ minute long read on why you should

Stop Saying 'Doesn't Work'

Be clear. Be specific. Save everyone’s sanity.

"It doesn't work" is one of the worst things to say when trying to get help. Try adding these to your message next time you need help:

State what's gone wrong: Clearly state the issue. Example: "The theme I downloaded shouldn't have a white background."
What should happen: Describe what you expect. Example: "The background should be black."
List errors: Provide any error messages. The more context, the better.
Provide context: Do not forget to specify the issue.
❌ "The theme is white"
✅ "The background is white"

Why This Matters

[10:15 AM] [Joe Biden] i installed this theme, but it doesn’t work.
[10:17 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] What specifically isn’t working?
[10:18 AM] [Joe Biden] It’s all white instead of black.
[10:20 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] Like only the background? or everything?
[10:22 AM] [Joe Biden] the background
[10:23 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] You must replace the background image link, try this [solution]
[10:23 AM] [Joe Biden] it works now, thanks!

That exchange wasted 8 minutes. Here’s how it could have gone:

[10:15 AM] [Joe Biden] i downloaded this theme and the background is white, it should be black. any fixes?
[10:17 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] Replace the background link. [solution]
[10:18 AM] [Joe Biden] oh thx! it works now!

Now the problem is solved in 3 minutes, a 62.5% improvement in time.

When "Doesn't Work" Can Work

There are rare cases where "doesn’t work" is okay, such as ongoing conversations where context has already been established.

[10:30 AM] [Barack Obama] Hello guys, i keep getting Error 1 but i have no idea why. My code is: [code]
[10:32 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] looks like a syntax error, try this: [solution]
[10:32 AM] [Barack Obama] Doesn’t work. i'm now getting Error 2
[10:34 AM] [Abraham Lincoln] oh, try this? [solution]
[10:34 AM] [Barack Obama] Oh thx, it works now!

When using "doesn't work", make sure to provide new details or context to clarify the issue and avoid confusion.

Inspired by dontasktoask and nohello.