<p>I'm seeing a steady worsening of statistical preparation on the part of those posing questions to the site.  If I wanted to start an engineering project, I think I would talk to an engineer before doing anything, or at least read an intro engineering book.  </p>

<p>I see people routinely asking statistical questions in a way that demonstrates that they want to use the site as a kind of Google quick-fix pill to address important statistical issues, without bothering to do any background statistical studying of any kind.  Everyone seems to feel they should understand statistics without studying, but I don't think that people feel the same way about engineering, chemistry, or neurosurgery. </p>

<p>What can we do better to get people to at least pretend to do background study before posting questions?</p>
