How do you get great answers to your RV questions on social media? Something that I’ve seen frequently is questions that only leave questions and can’t produce good answers. Something I’ve written numerous times is that the more you know about your RV, the better your overall RV experience is going to be.
So this week’s column is for all of you who have an RV, which, I believe, might be a few of you. Some of you may be dreamers, and some may have already hung up the keys, though.
I would imagine that those of you reading this span the gamut of experience within the RV space. But something that lots of folks enjoy doing is being helpful. I think there’s some human gene that forces us to answer a question we see asked on social media. It seems we can’t help ourselves.
But answers are like rear ends—we all have them, and some of them stink. In fact, some of the answers I’ve seen on social media could produce downright dangerous results.
How to get the best answers
So the point of all this is: If you are new to the RV space and have a question, the more detail you can provide in that question, the better the results are going to be.
For example, there was a question today about low water flow from the water heater. But no mention of the type of water heater or even the type of RV. Just a water heater.
Having more information might be very helpful. It would almost certainly help to answer the question, but I wonder if the original poster (OP) even knew what kind of water heater they had?
The answer to this question might well be that their winterization valves aren’t completely turned for use—but there are so many other possibilities.
The other question that lit a fire under my keyboard was about generators. This time of year, there are lots of those questions, and many of them ask how big a generator they need to run their RV.
No mention of the RV. No mention of the number of A/C units (which is often the determining factor) or other things that would actually help answer the question correctly.
The bottom line is that you’re much more likely to get a great answer with a question that provides sufficient details to make it possible to answer. But here’s another little tip.
Search function on social media
Did you know that social media has a search function?
So, let’s say you have a question about your water heater or about winterization or just whatever. You can actually use the search function on social media and potentially find that your question was already asked and answered multiple times.
In all the Facebook groups I run, we actually insist that someone use the search function first so that it’s not the same question over and over and over again. I have annoyed more than a few members by insisting that they use the search feature.
By finding your answer and, potentially, adding to the answers already there, you push that question right up to the top, where others can see it, as well. It helps everybody, but especially the moderators who have to see the same questions over and over again.
We love to be helpful
As humans, we love to be helpful and resourceful and look like we know what we’re talking about, and I can help you with this, too.
But here’s a way to look brilliant and be really helpful at the same time. For free, no less. Did you know the resource you’re enjoying right now also has a whole section for beginners? No, seriously!
We have an entire beginners’ section here at RVtravel.com. And you don’t even have to be a newbie to take advantage of this!
However, let’s say you see a question asked on social media. Like that water heater question, for example.
You can just come here, do a search on the top search bar, and we’ve covered it. Well. So you can go back and share that post and look like you’re the Einstein of the RV line. For example, this post about troubleshooting a water heater may answer those water heater questions, or at least help the new RVer learn more.
When I do a search for generator, the number of answers is incredible.
Now you’re sharing verified information that real RVers and editors have verified.
And let me share one more thing: All this AI nonsense online means websites are literally scraping sites like RVtravel.com and every other site I work for and trying to guess what the real answer is. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it fails. And those failures can cause expensive mistakes and even injuries.
Plus, I know that traffic on websites like this one and my own has been hurt by people thinking that AI is providing the best answer. So, by sharing stories from here, you’re also helping keep this resource alive.
So, now you’re helping others, helping yourself, probably becoming better looking, and definitely doing a good thing.
Seriously, though, we appreciate the shares a lot. And so will the people you help.
BTW, did you know that when you search for something there’s a trick to get the good old fashioned search results and skip the AI results at the top? Yep. In the Google search bar, for example, type what you’re searching for then type ” -ai” (space hyphen ai), and it will skip the AI search results. Try it. You might like it!
MORE TIPS FROM TONY:
- Behind the scenes of RV transport: The hidden journey your RV takes before you buy it
- You’re not alone on the road. How to find your community
- How performing a simple 90-day seal check helps with warranty claims
- It’s true: RVers are encouraging bad-quality RVs
RVT1248b
-ai thanks for the tip
To be honest that was the lovely and talented Diane who shared it with me so I’m going to forward your gratitude do her. She’s pretty awesome.
😳(That’s supposed to be a blush.) 🤣 Thanks, Tony. I just happened to accidentally run across that tip once upon a time and have used it every day since. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
No matter what the source a person needs to take it with a grain of salt. If its from the internet either here or Youtube check several sources before you plunge head long into something. JMHO
Preach it! As a “group expert” on several groups it is frustrating to have to ask 20 questions to get the necessary information to provide a quality answer.
All true. Also, post questions on a good RV forum page like irv2- NOT Facebook. There’s horrible advice there. I’m also amazed and pissed that people there don’t even attempt their own searches.- Why is that? Kind of like trying to find a lost candy bar in the neighbor’s yard.
I run a few Falsebook, er, Facebook Groups and what really frustrates me is when people who are recognized as being knowledgeable post a legitimate answer and then someone comes in and posts a counter to that.
I have blasted more than a few folks for that kind of misbehavior. If there’s a right answer you do not have to post a reply, especially if you are incorrect. Grrrrrrr.