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Clearer phrasing of the first criterion (thanks to trincot for the suggestion that it was unclear)
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Ryan M Mod
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Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to theThe question would be better asked as multiple separate questions

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • The question would be better asked as multiple separate questions

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

deleted 4 characters in body
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Robert Harvey
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Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

added 15 characters in body
Source Link
gparyani
  • 2k
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  • 68

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, the latteranswers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, the latter tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

Needs more focus

“Your question is too broad or has multiple parts and needs to be distilled into one.”

Sometimes the scope of a question is too broad because it cannot reasonably or completely be answered in a few paragraphs. Such questions are hard for the community to answer because answers may be too long to easily digest.

This close reason also applies to questions asking multiple questions in one. Such posts don't create proper references for people with similar problems, making it difficult for others to find answers. Also, as with too broad questions, answers to such questions tend to be longer and harder to read or write.

How we define Needs more focus

The general definition for such a question is: a question that is too big for only one question. Questions of this nature are better off broken down into smaller pieces and asked in separate posts so that our community can focus on key parts individually.


How to use this reason to close questions

Before closing the question, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • There are multiple distinct parts to the question

  • Any complete answer to the question would have to be very long and excessively detailed to ensure all points are covered (i.e. the question can be answered by an entire book or website)

Note: Lack of effort is not an appropriate closure reason. Don't vote to close as ‘Needs more focus’ when the question is narrowly scoped and answerable within our format.


My question was closed. What should I do now?

  • Narrow the scope — what part of this question is the most important part?

    • Edit your question to reflect a problem that can be addressed in a few paragraphs.

    • Remove bulleted lists of questions — If you need multiple bullets, it means you're asking multiple questions, and questions on Stack Overflow should ask about one thing, not multiple things.

  • Still have issues that need answers?

    • Search to make sure your extra questions haven’t already been asked; and if not, ask new questions that divide the various those parts of the original post into smaller problems.
  • Remember: one problem — one question!


Return to the index

I feel that an explicit "general definition" is valuable. I have, however, made it a bit less verbose than its original form. Also, stop pedantic arguments that one can search more effectively, etc.
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gparyani
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further reduced verbosity
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reduced verbosity; removed OP guidance from the section where it does not belong;
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Minor wording tweaks in first half to improve clarity, readability, and flow
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zcoop98
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added 474 characters in body
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gparyani
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Post Made Community Wiki by Cesar MStaffMod
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