Let’s be honest about this. I love helping people and I crave that satisfaction feeling I get when something’s been fixed by me. I just got another call on my cell phone from someone asking « How do I configure this WinXP/Win98/Win200 network behind a firewall ? ».
If you’re asking your local expert/geek/friend to fix things for free, at least ask nicely or offer something in exchange. A crazy idea: even money can help! But a nice « BTW, How are you ? » is often enough.
If you recognize yourself in this situation, take a look at the Pringao / TechSlacky Howto. Thanks to Ricardo Frydman for pointing that link out.
This happens to me more than I like to admit, is in reality my own fault for making myself available to people… but like you I like to be helpful. Even family sometimes does not even invite you to their house unless their computer is broken.