What is a FAQ?
A FAQ is a document that answers questions common to a particular subject or theme. In this case, FAQs.
What does FAQ stand for?
FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions.
When would I use a FAQ?
You would use a FAQ any time you wanted to explain something to people without having to do so on an individual basis. So it’s like a bullhorn that can be ignored.
What kind of questions does a FAQ address?
A FAQ addresses any questions that the writer feels are likely to be asked by people reading it.
How can the writer anticipate what questions will be asked?
It depends on the subject matter and the writer’s skill(z). If he’s writing about electricity, he’ll know people will ask about the difference between an amp and a volt. If he’s writing about Dungeons & Dragons, he’ll know people will ask what a +5 scimitar is, and what’s wrong with him.
Who takes it upon themselves to write a FAQ?
Anyone who has too much free time and feels they know a lot about the subject, be it Martin Van Buren or Flamenco.
What does a FAQ look like?
A FAQ often consists of questions in italics followed by answers to those questions.
Are FAQs useful?
Yes. For example, if Paul Revere had used one he’d have saved himself from riding all over Boston with this FAQ:
        Q: Are the British coming?
        A: Yes.
How long is a FAQ?
The length of a FAQ depends on the subject matter. If it’s about a complex subject like dissociative identity disorder it could be very long. If it’s about David Spade or Grenada, one page will suffice.
What’s the most common way to end a FAQ?
Quite often a FAQ will end by acknowledging the people who put it together.
Thanks to Buster Poindexter, Fran Tarkenton, Crispin Glover’s neighbor Tyler, Jackson Browne, Anne Rice, Devo, Jeff from The Wiggles and the entire staff of General Dynamics for their help in putting this FAQ together.
Brian Sack
I started Banterist in 2003 after this conversation with my cat. It led to all sorts of good things.
Q: Why would an escapist so divorced from reality that he becomes an expert in Dungeons & Dragons even recognize criticism from someone who’s not yet earned an arsenal that includes a glowing sorcerer’s mace?
Q: In what subject was Martin Van Buren an expert?
Please answer in italics.
As this FAQ FAQ evolves, I’d like to see an answer posted to what constitutes “frequent.” My girlfriend and I are often at odds on the topic; and it seems the opinion of previous girlfriends on the subject seldom settles the matter.
Q: Why now for FAQs?
Did you write this article for FAQs sake!
I think eBay has been reading your site again:
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200606.shtml#2006-06-07122846
“Answer Buyer Questions with Custom FAQ’s”.
[i]I believe Martin Van Buren was an expert in spelling “Martin Van Buren.” [/i]
Unfortunately, there is no FAQ included as part of the announcement so I’m lost :-)
As a master grammarian, I hope that you will be able to address something that arose form this posting. My understanding was that the difference between “a” and “an” is that the former is used when preceding a constanent and the latter is used before a vowel. In my workplace, when I write many reports, I have been told that using an “a” or “an” before something like “FAQ” or “REM” requires spelling the first letter (e.g., eff or arr) and following the above stated rules. In your posting, you used “a FAQ,” rather than “an FAQ.” Please advise so as to enable me to go forward with purpose and direction in my grammatical skills.
Before Al Gore invented the internet, a junior high gag was to write “Fa – Q” and ask someone to read it aloud.
Hilarity ensued.
But more to the point, I can only read “FAQ” in my head as if I were in a Mamet play.
And I struggle saying it aloud without slipping.
So, there you have it.