Every month I check the ‘Is there a tool for…’ thread and I always find something useful. People ask for weird, specific needs and the crowd somehow points them to the right app, script, or hack. I want to share how to get better answers and how to ask so you actually get a working suggestion.
Why this thread works
– Lots of eyeballs: the more people read your question, the higher the chance someone has already solved it.
– Niche knowledge: someone will probably have a niche script, a tiny paid tool, or a workflow that fits.
– Iteration: follow-ups and clarifying comments turn a vague request into a practical solution.
How to ask so people can help
Be specific. Say what you tried and what failed. Describe the environment: OS, budget, privacy needs, and whether you want a GUI or scriptable tool.
A quick template you can copy:
– What I want to do (one sentence)
– What I tried
– Constraints (budget, OS, privacy, offline/online)
– Preferred output or workflow
Example:
– I want to batch-rename photos by EXIF date into folders by year/month.
– I tried XYZ app but it mangled file timestamps.
– Constraint: Windows 10, command-line okay, prefer free tools.
– Goal: keep originals and create YYYY/MM folders.
That gives helpers everything they need and saves back-and-forth.
Where to look before you post
– Niche forums and GitHub: many small scripts live on GitHub issues or repos.
– AlternativeTo and product hunt lists: good for discovering similar apps.
– Subreddit search: someone may have asked the same question before.
How to evaluate suggestions
Ask for screenshots, example commands, or a short demo video. If someone suggests a paid tool, ask about trial length and refund policy. For scripts, look at the license and recent commits.
Follow-up etiquette
If a suggestion works, reply and say what worked and why. If it didn’t, explain what happened. Those follow-ups help the next person with the same problem.
My favorite places to find obscure tools
– GitHub search (look for stars and recent activity)
– Reddit communities tied to specific hobbies or professions
– Small app stores and curated lists
Final note
These monthly threads are great when everyone pitches in. If you ask clearly and follow the simple template above, you’ll get better answers, faster. And if you find something neat, share the solution so the next person can skip the guesswork.
Happy hunting. Ask smart, get smart answers.