Meta Questions

A meta question is a question about a question. The term is also often used more broadly to include indirect questions that are asked instead of the question a person actually wants answered.

Instead of asking

Does anybody here know Kubernetes?

ask:

Why does this Kubernetes pod stay in Pending even though the node has enough memory?

Asking the meta question risks people who could help you ignoring the question because they are not confident they can answer every question about Kubernetes.

So—ask the question you actually want answered. It’s faster, clearer, and more likely to get you a useful response.

Examples

• Can I ask you something?
• Do you have a minute?
• Does anyone here know Kubernetes?
• Can you help with an nginx issue?
• Do you understand computers?

Exceptions

Situations where it’s, of course, okay to ask a meta question include cases where the topic is potentially sensitive or where consent or availability actually matter.