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I see a few questions posting a link to a website and asking, "Cool? How do you do that?" with nothing else. I imagine the questioner may not have a clue about relevant buzzwords or "hidden" (not obvious in source) technologies at play.

So, I think it's a fair question to gain knowledge, but is it really appropriate for Stack Overflow? Often the protocol is to post a question and relevant code or answer "What have you tried?" So, if you don't have a clue, should you not post at all? Or is there a better place in the Stack Exchange network or in the larger web?

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So, I think it's a fair question to gain knowledge,

Agreed

but is it really appropriate for Stack Overflow?

Nope.

Questions on Stack Overflow have to be specific, and (essentially) have a single correct answer. Showing a link to a web page that, for example, slides a div across the screen, and then ask how that's done could garner endless correct answers on how to duplicate that particular effect.

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  • Should they be marked off-topic then?
    – Tina CG Hoehr
    Apr 19, 2012 at 23:11
  • 1
    I would guess not a real question would be more appropriate, but others may disagree.
    – Adam Rackis
    Apr 19, 2012 at 23:13
  • Hmm, are you implying that Stack Overflow has the most life-like dead animals around?
    – Cody Gray - on strike
    Apr 20, 2012 at 1:40
  • @The - I've never thought about it like that. But now that you mention it....
    – Adam Rackis
    Apr 20, 2012 at 1:43
  • Anyway, more constructively, you think this is not an acceptable SO question? It looks OK to me...
    – Cody Gray - on strike
    Apr 20, 2012 at 2:46
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    @The - it's borderline. I'd leave it if it were up to me, but I'm rather surprised it didn't get any close votes.
    – Adam Rackis
    Apr 20, 2012 at 2:51

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