Searching, it's what's for dinner.

**Agent86** · 01-25-2007, 08:02 PM

How about a sticky along with a bit of encouragement for new members to utilize the search function? Perhaps something along the lines of the "B&B - staying on topic – and you….." thread?

I realize that all boards are somewhat circular in nature, but things have gotten ridiculous of late.

**peacefrog** · 01-26-2007, 05:02 AM

One of the things that has always impressed me about this forum is how its members never seem to tire of answering the same questions. I think this attitude is much more welcoming to new members than a response of "please use the search feature."

**rikrdo** · 01-26-2007, 05:09 AM

.......... I wish I had thought of this

**AaronP** · 01-26-2007, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by peacefrog

One of the things that has always impressed me about this forum is how its members never seem to tire of answering the same questions. I think this attitude is much more welcoming to new members than a response of "please use the search feature."

I agree. One of the things that attracted me to B&B was the willingness of members to answer newbie questions, eventhough those same questions have been asked and answered many, many times. In my opinion, this makes B&B a much more welcoming place and encourages the participation of new members.

Simply responding to newbie questions with "this has been asked and answered before, try doing a search" discourages new folks from particpating. For a while, newbies (like me) don't feel like they have as much to offer in the way of responding to other's questions, and the way we participate is by asking our own questions.

I'm not saying that a sticky encouraging the use of the search function is a bad thing, so long as it isn't phrased ins such a way that it discourages new members from asking questions.

Aaron

**Agent86** · 01-26-2007, 09:53 AM

I'd agree that B&B is easily one of the friendliest boards out there, and I'm not suggesting that anything be done to compromise that. However, so many of the topics have been beaten to death time and time again, and searching is rarely suggested. Gently directing someone towards the search function shouldn't ruffle any feathers.

**htownmmm** · 01-26-2007, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Agent86

I'd agree that B&B is easily one of the friendliest boards out there, and I'm not suggesting that anything be done to compromise that. However, so many of the topics have been beaten to death time and time again, and searching is rarely suggested. Gently directing someone towards the search function shouldn't ruffle any feathers.

Very true, but sometimes it's much easier(and nicer) to just answer the question as we all have had done for us in the past. Plus, when someone is beginning their DE journey, some 'handholding' is in order. This cannot be accomplished physically, but can be done 'mentally' by answering the question w/o sending the noob off to search. Basically, a win-win situation; the 'oldtimer' gets to appear wise while the 'youth' at his feet gets the information he needs-knowing their will come a time when he too will dispense information and appear wise.

Marty

**Agent86** · 01-26-2007, 10:35 AM

I'm not suggesting that legitimate questions from those seeking information go unanswered. What I am suggesting is that something be done to avoid going round and round with topics that really offer no substance...that have already been beaten to death.

The members of every other forum that I belong to encourage the use of the search function. It serves to keep the board free of clutter and lessens the number of redundant threads one must wade through when visiting.

**Scotto** · 01-26-2007, 10:45 AM

Part of the gentlemanly atmosphere here, as previously pointed out, is that questions are always answered. That being said, I think it is appropriate to answer the question and, in addition, refer the person to the search engine to get more information.

**mantic** · 01-26-2007, 12:51 PM

This reminds me of a similar post I saw on SMF a while back that said in part "Here people come running and jump into noob posts like giggling kids into a pile of autumn leaves."

--Mark

**moviemaniac** · 01-26-2007, 01:09 PM

I also like the gentlemanly atmosphere here. I for myself find it doesn't take much more to answer the question than simply posting something like "use the search engine".
Doing so also really answers questions. The problem with these "use the search engine" posts is that someone really using the search engine probably gives up because the first 10 search results on often asked questions don't give much more information than "use the search engine"

**Agent86** · 01-26-2007, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by mantic

This reminds me of a similar post I saw on SMF a while back that said in part "Here people come running and jump into noob posts like giggling kids into a pile of autumn leaves."

--Mark

**Woknblues** · 02-08-2007, 05:55 AM

I have been to many forums where the "use the search, dummy" response is put out there, and I would have run off faster than a scalded cat if that was my welcome here. If I want to just search, I'll use Google. If I need an answer about something specific I think I can find i.e. "Feather", I'll search. But a complicated and wordy explanation about shaving methods require specific questions... Not to undermine the quality blogs of Leisureguy/Michael or others though. That is a newbies dream, and can often be enough IMHO to answer a lot of the same old questions. Because one question = another = another...

**Agent86** · 02-11-2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Woknblues

I have been to many forums where the "use the search, dummy" response is put out there

Sigh...

My suggestion seems to have fallen on deaf ears, but since you brought it up again; I never advocated a "use the search, dummy" response.

**Woknblues** · 02-11-2007, 05:51 PM

I wasn't responding to your post, just my .02 about newb questions.

**guenron** · 02-13-2007, 10:49 AM

More than once I have embedded the url of a post answering the question(s) of many.

Ofttimes in the first composition of a response I find that I and others were more careful to ensure the clearest meaning in unmistakably clear language. There appears to be a natural intellectual ennui when repeating the same message over and over that corrupts or hides the information.

As far as the search engine, it would be of greater benefit if it were not for many who come up with clever subjects containing no information relating to the message content and the seemingly countless me too posts.
Of course all of the foregoing implies that there is information that is important to be shared. For many the forum is nothing more than a feel good brotherhood. Nothing wrong with that either.