Upon further reflection, perhaps there isn't really time being wasted. Perhaps that time we're "wasting" replying to trolls is how we gain our experience.
In principle, I agree.
However, in practice, it really sucks to see an extremely well-written and detailed answer the size of a A4 beautifully formatted and laid out when it doesn't correspond to the question; not the written question but the real question. That is wasteful.
So rule number one when answering a question: Make sure that there is a question in the first place, and that you are answering the right question - that is: it corresponds to the question that the Original Poster intends to ask.
Yes, I also think that we are definitely not wasting our time if we embark on a quest to find a better question, ask for clarification, etc.
I like that kind of interaction.
I tend to believe the good intentions of the OP. Because often what appears to be a sucky question - even a trollish one - could be a genuine question just waiting to get out. ;)
The topic from which this topic was spawned I have a growing suspicion that the OP did (accidentally) get an answer to his question and has left the topic already. Not sure, though.
-> http://www.gamedev.net/topic/667809-best-program-for-beginners/#entry5224864
really a little of all of them, I'll take a look at this link and let you know If i have any other questions.
The irony of that is that he might or might not have gotten his question - whatever it is - answered already (in post number 3) - who knows?