This meta-question results from the closing of this question in less than 48 hours. I do not argue that the question should be reopened. I do argue that by closing it so quickly we closed it for the wrong reason.
The real problem that OP has is that the function he/she wants to define needs to have the attribute HoldFirst
. Not understanding that is a simple and frequent beginner error, so the question is likely to be a duplicate of a previously answered question. In fact, I would say it is a duplicate of this question
However, it was not closed as a duplicate, but for being off topic, which I find unfortunate. Therefore, I bring up two meta-questions:
Should we make an effort to reopen the question that provoked this post and then re-close it as a duplicate of the question I referenced?
Should we commit to an on-going effort to leave questions open somewhat longer, say a week, before closing them for falling into the catch-all categories of simple-mistake or too-localized?
HoldFirst
to your symbolui
didn't solve the problem you described in the question? – m_goldberg Apr 10 '16 at 8:29