I think we need need to discuss the homework rules a little...

In this thread, Neo is concerned that I may have helped someone with homework. I actually worried a little about that as I posted. But I decided that if a student was to turn in my script as his work, the instructor would probably figure it out. And I think the OP defended the question anyway.

When I wonder if a question is homework, one of the things I look for is artificial restrictions on the tools which can be used. And another thing I do is to click on the "search" button and look at any other postings by the same user. These things caused me to ignore this thread.

And in this thread, I ummm, well, broke the rules. But the OP had done quite a bit of work herself and was stuck on an issue that would trip up almost anyone.

And finally, I think that I should speak up and mention that someone has emailed their homework to me. I ignored it, but I was tempted to email back a bunch of bogus answers Emailing homework to posters is not explicitly prohibited. Perhaps it should be.

I have no problem with the homework rule. You don't do anyone any favors by doing their homework for them. And I have a strong dislike for anyone who expects others to do all their work.

But what should we do when we suspect a posting is a homework assignment? Ignore it? Post a "homework alert" message? Query the OP? And when someone is stuck but has done a lot of work is an exception allowed?