I'm not sure if I've consistently followed my internal advice myself, but whether it's PerlMonks or other communities, I try to stick to it.

I tend to give newcomers more literal answers that fill their immediate needs, while I try to discuss and illuminate a bit more for "members" of the community.

The anonymous monk or other transient guest may have heard of PerlMonks only a few minutes ago because of google or a friend's mention, and has a burning question that perldoc hasn't already answered (or they don't yet know of perldoc). They want to cut-and-paste and move on.

Once they like the answers they've received, the guests sign up and become a regular visitor. After they're regulars, they can be shaped, molded, or taught. Before this point, you may just be wasting their time with trivia (from their viewpoint).

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