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Edit requested by Mr.98
reword sentence about medical and legal questions, per proposal on talk page
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:* Please try searching the web using a [[web search engine]].
:* Please try searching the web using a [[web search engine]].
* '''Yes, if you need advice or opinions, it's better to ask elsewhere'''.
* '''Yes, if you need advice or opinions, it's better to ask elsewhere'''.
** The reference desk does not answer ([[Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Guidelines/Medical_advice|and will probably remove]]) requests for [[Wikipedia:Medical disclaimer|medical]] or [[Wikipedia:Legal disclaimer|legal]] advice. Ask a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, or lawyer instead.
** The reference desk will not answer (and will [[Wikipedia:Reference desk/Guidelines/Medical advice|usually remove]]) questions that require medical diagnosis or request medical opinions, or seek guidance on legal matters. Such questions should be directed to an appropriate professional, or brought to an internet site dedicated to [[List of search engines#Medical|medical]] or [[List of search engines#Legal|legal]] questions.
** The reference desk does not answer requests for [[opinion]]s or predictions about future events. Do not start a debate; please seek an [[internet forum]] instead.
** The reference desk does not answer requests for [[opinion]]s or predictions about future events. Do not start a debate; please seek an [[internet forum]] instead.
<big>'''How do I word my question for the best results?'''</big><br>
<big>'''How do I word my question for the best results?'''</big><br>

Revision as of 20:59, 20 October 2010

Is there any way I can get a faster answer?

  • Yes, you can search first. Please do this.
  • Search the reference desk archive to see if your question has been asked earlier, or search Wikipedia as a whole.
Search reference desk archives
Search Wikipedia main site
  • Yes, if you need advice or opinions, it's better to ask elsewhere.
    • The reference desk will not answer (and will usually remove) questions that require medical diagnosis or request medical opinions, or seek guidance on legal matters. Such questions should be directed to an appropriate professional, or brought to an internet site dedicated to medical or legal questions.
    • The reference desk does not answer requests for opinions or predictions about future events. Do not start a debate; please seek an internet forum instead.

How do I word my question for the best results?

  • Include a meaningful title. Do not write "Question" or "Query", but write a few words that briefly tell the volunteers the subject of the question.
  • Include context. Include links to any information that might help to understand your question. Tell us what part of the world your question applies to.
  • Do not provide your contact information. E-mail or home addresses, or telephone numbers, will be removed. You must return to this page to get your answer.
  • Type ~~~~ (four tildes) at the end of your question. This signs your contribution so volunteers know who wrote what in the conversation.
  • If your question is homework, show that you have attempted an answer first, and we will try to help you past the stuck point. If you don't show an effort, you probably won't get help. The reference desk will not do your homework for you.

When will I get an answer?

  • It may take several days. Come back later and check this page for responses. Later posts may add more information. Please, post your question on only one section of the reference desk.