Wed, 2010-12-29 10:43
#1
This is possibly the same
This is possibly the same post that I have refereed to over the years here but that lost the original link to, iirc it was titled "Forum Vamps"
It would be funny if there wasn't an extremely serious point being made, and I'm not sure that a little less humour and a little more finger wagging might have been in order.
Forums die due to this infestation and lately around many forums it's becoming increasingly an issue again.
Wed, 2010-12-29 14:51
#2
Well, spread the word,
Well, spread the word, friends. I'm going to drop this off at all the forums I belong to. 
Thu, 2010-12-30 06:05
#3
Between the vampires and the spammers
You are going to be swinging that Viking sword a lot these days.
Wed, 2011-01-05 12:58
#4
http://slash7.com/2006/03/22/
http://slash7.com/2006/03/22/s-o-s-save-our-sanity/
Comment spam ahoy 
Thu, 2011-01-06 22:24
#5
Mentioned these points so
Mentioned these points so often here on this forum, long rambling posts going back years, still it's worth copying them, take note all that help of the second paragraph as this is an important one, one I would hope that all that think they are helping take keen note of.
Enforce autonomy. No matter how beneficent you’re feeling, never directly answer a common question. This is the lazy way out, and you only enable the Help Vampires instead of truly helping them. Let the URL to your help resources be your only answer, but tell the vamp you are happy to help if he explores those avenues of self-help and still cannot find an answer.
Foster thinking. Even if it’s not a question you see go bye fifty times a day… don’t answer it with a direct fix (unless the person is a known non-vamp, or it’s a real puzzler). Answer with questions to spur (and guide) thought. If the Help Vampire resists thinking or complains, give them the URL for the Resources page and withhold further assistance.
Reward self-help and helping others. Thank people who ask intelligent questions and do research first, and people who make an effort to help others. Tell them they’re a credit to the community. Be especially generous with praise and emoticons for those who are actively reforming their ways. Help is a trickle-down economy.
Be friendly. People and Help Vampires are much more likely to become useful members of the community if they’re met with kindness and encouragement rather than condescension and spite. They may seem like nothing but one more in a long strain of know-nothings, but you stand out very distinctly to them.
Fri, 2011-01-07 04:32
#6
Extremely good advice
that you quoted there Hugo. At my level of expertise, I have often found that helping someone out directly with a problem has also taught me a lot too. So maybe sometimes I do go out of my way and help out vampires, but if they are not learning something, then I am, so there is some definite benefit to it.
I really enjoy this forum, because it certainly tends more towards trying to instill good practices and coding and not just giving out free advice to people who are not really interested in learning and just want to fix their immediate problem. I participate in a couple of other forums, each with their own specificities. One is very progressive, html5 and css3, while the other is more php and tutorial. In any case, I have found that participating regularly over time, can builds up relationships and mutual trust and lead to opportunities. Even if it doesn't, I enjoy participating just to entertain my brain. 
Fri, 2011-01-07 07:28
#7
It's all about balance
It's all about balance really, And each must do as they feel best on a post by post basis, but while keeping those pointers at the forefront of their mind.
What people must realise or be aware of is that it's a matter of preservation of the community and it's resources, ultimately if gentle note isn't taken of those points or the issue simply ignored then lists, forums die the death and it does happen.
I would also say that I think by and large we get it right here on this forum.