Why not search before posting? (1 Viewer)

[x463]

I'm relatively new to MUD but am active on many other forums over the years. At least in the 40 section it seems like the SOP is to create a new post vs. searching for an older post. It's really gotten to be a waste trying to read that forum b/c at least 50% of the posts are re-hashing topics that have been answered over and over and over. It isn't new members doing this either. Members with thousands of posts routinely post new topics that a simple search would have answered.

Is this the norm for MUD and I'm wrong about searching first before posting?

 

[woody]

Given your analygy, the forum should close ALL posting, since every possible question has been asked and answered over the past 15 years

Interaction between members is the key, and the continual (and sometimes repetitive) discussions are what keep users returning, making friends, and enjoying their hobby.

Searching takes practice...I know my old boss 10 years back would constantly walk into my office, after spending an hour on Google trying to find something, only to have me find his exact answer within a minute or two. He never got it. I wonder what he does now...hmmm

 

[x463]

I'm not sure where you took the leap to locking all threads - never proposed that. Reviving an old thread should never be discouraged IMO. Just wondering why the norm here doesn't seem to include searching. There are often the posts hours/days apart on the same topics that are MUCH better answered from the older posts. I suspect others are bored reading/answering the same topics again and again as well - and thus don't respond with better info. On various other forums I've contributed to over the years "search first ask second" is encouraged. While there might be less post traffic - the overall experience is much more entertaining and engaging.

 

[woody]

You can't force them to search, and given the "instant reply" scenario of other social media options, the habits of most new members is to simply ask.

A number of users have replied to repetitive questions with "I used search, entered the following terms, and came up with this relevant thread"

Teaching does wonders.

 

[woody]

I just revised the Welcome PM to include a comment on Searching.

However, considering some of the other questions I get via PM and email, most don't read directions anyways...I know I rarely do

 

[Vae Victus]

Some people are detail oriented, some aren't. Some are busy, some aren't. Some know what to search for, some don't. Some people want to get the latest info, some want to read 16 year old posts.

Suggesting people search is a good thing. Getting irritated when they don't, feels like Pirate4x4, which I will never visit again by the way because they are serious a$$hats. That's why I go out of my way to make people feel welcome here, even though I've reminded people plenty of times to search. I'm guilty myself at critical junctures to want someone to hold my widdle hand while I did something scary.

Not implying you were getting irritated x463, you've been very respectful with your question.

After 3+ years here, I'd say the "Mud" way is like a pre-school teacher to kids in the library of congress: a whole bunch of busy-distracted children trying to get a complex project done, with millions of references all around them, but no patience, time or knowledge on how to find and understand the info. The teachers have been very patient and mentoring in leading the rest of us down the path.

I've tried to be a good citizen and give back by documenting what I do to add to the library of references. For every question I ask, I give back 2 pages of "how to" or at least "how i did." Being a novice, I repeated what many others have written, but maybe in different terms that another new person might understand.

Plus, I've made a lot of friends all over the world by asking some already answered questions to some others who have guided me, sometime directly to THE best thread, and sometimes by just answering the question.

That's my perspective.

Here's mud in yer eye!

 

[120mm]

Actually, the search feature has become relatively ineffective because of the sheer volume of posts.

If you search for subject "X", it is likely you'll find multiple pages of results that are threads that tell the OP to "search for 'X'" before you actually find a thread that succinctly answers the question.

I search online for a living, and this is the toughest forum I've encountered for this. I remember looking for an answer to a headlight question, with the thread that actually answered it being 5-6 pages of returns deep. The rest were "why don't you search for it, dumbass."

 

[hj 60]

But at least the relevant topic is not closed like on so many other dark pages.
I hate it when someone has exactly the question I have and the only reply is search and then closed, or someone nagging it is an old topic: maybe it is an old problem.
But I have done my time here and see the same questions now again and again, I stopped a bit with copy pasting many pictures, the only real solution is giving the link to the best answer (or a link to my pictures)

So maybe the like button (which is a bit greasy fisting) should have a upvote function like best answer chosen by poster, I like how that view is used more and more on websites.
"my phone does not ring" :
iPhone 5 does not ring for incoming calls post ... | Official Apple Support Communities

It would work better if the like button does not require a login.