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This question

How to fit a RBF network in R?

asks an off-topic question (which R package to use to fit RBF networks) and a question which, while on-topic, is very likely a duplicate. Should I close or flag as duplicate? Ask him to eliminate the part about R packages, then close as duplicate? He's a new user, so I'd like to cut him some slack...

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    $\begingroup$ If it's a duplicate, I'd mark it as a duplicate, it's far more helpful then closing as off-topic. If it's not a duplicate and the non-software part can be answered, you can answer it mentioning briefly that you'd focus on the non-software part because we're not a software help list. $\endgroup$
    – Tim Mod
    Sep 27, 2018 at 10:23
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    $\begingroup$ Thanks @Tim, that's very rational. I'll follow your advice. Of course only the non-software part would be a duplicate, thus I'll both flag and leave a comment explaining that the software part is OT. $\endgroup$
    – DeltaIV
    Sep 27, 2018 at 10:40
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    $\begingroup$ I agree w/ @Tim. If you find a suitable duplicate target, leave a comment & flag the thread. In the interim, I closed it as off topic (& too broad). $\endgroup$
    – gung - Reinstate Monica
    Sep 27, 2018 at 18:39
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    $\begingroup$ @Tim: do you want to post your comment(s) as an answer? Better to have a short answer than no answer at all. Anyone who has a better answer can post it. $\endgroup$
    – Stephan Kolassa
    Sep 27, 2018 at 19:34

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From Tim's comment:

If it's a duplicate, then mark it as a duplicate. That is far more helpful than closing as off-topic.

If it's not a duplicate and the non-software part can be answered, then you can answer it, mentioning briefly that you will focus on the non-software part because we're not a software help list.

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