Validity of posted replies (not to do with SCJP in particular)

Hello,
This thread has nothing to do with SCJP in particular. I have always wondered that how do you validate the replies that other users post, especially when none of the bartenders or sherrifs (official people) reply to the posts. Becasue honestly I have myself replied to a few posts inaccurately due to my limited knowledge and that can confuse the newcomer/newbee. Ofcourse one idea is to try the codes in a compiler, but any inputs to this is welcome.

Roopesh.

If several people reply, and they all agree, that's one way to know. But it can be a problem. Sometimes people post very wrong answers.

I don't like to see people posting when they're clearly guessing, without saying so. It's OK to guess at an answer if you want, but you should say so. "I'm not sure, but I think..."

If you see an answer and it's clearly wrong, be sure to reply and politely but firmly say so. Be careful in your explanation so the the question-asker understands that you know what you're talking about. Give references if you can.

Any post on an internet bulletin board should be taken for what it is -- a post on an internet bulletin board. These can be very helpful in offering direction, but it's unchecked information. Users should always be skeptical of accuracy, especially if no supporting references (API, language specs) or code is provided.

Let's move over to the JavaRanch Forum...