Do you Search Previous Threads?

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Posted by SimonMc, 12-28-2001, 02:11 PM
A lot of responses to questions on this site is...Have you done a search of previos threads....etc ...etc.. Well to me. this is not the first thing I think about when I join a new forum...bad etiquete I know..but thats the way I am. I want to know what you think about this?
Posted by Chicken, 12-28-2001, 03:19 PM
It isn't the first thing many people think to do, but it is a very good suggestion. I will mention that this certain forum software (vBulletin) has extremely good searching capabilities, and that other forum software seems to be lacking in this area. When I know what I'm looking for, I've almost always been able to find it by searching. Of course I have read the majority fo the posts, so it is more finding what I've seen before, something that doesn't apply to new members. New members are often a bit excited and quick to post, when they should spend a bit more time reading first, then post. The aim is to help the person, and often searching is the best advice that one can give. One thing you can do to target your searches a bit, is to search by POST, not thread. That way you only get posts where the terms are mentioned, and you don't have to search through the entire thread to find the post where something is mentioned. Saves me time, maybe it will save you time as well.
Posted by addaction, 12-28-2001, 03:23 PM
I think it is VERY usefull. Have used it many times to read up on particular topics. Everything seems to be have been discussed at one point or another.
Posted by ckpeter, 12-28-2001, 06:05 PM
I also think that there are way too many redundent topics. If only people could just spend the time searching first, instead of wasting other's time to answer. Peter
Posted by mdrussell, 12-28-2001, 06:18 PM
I second that. There are sooo many topics, especially regarding control panels etc. that have the same questions...
Posted by driverdave, 12-28-2001, 10:00 PM
I usually try to. And I'll post a link to a thread thats already been flogged to death, but people ignore it...
Posted by chuckt101, 12-29-2001, 12:15 AM
I do it when I have the time to read through the results to find what I need and maybe a little more Otherwise, it's usually more efficient (for me anyways) to post a question, go do something else and come back and there's the answer!
Posted by Walter, 12-29-2001, 11:05 AM
Sigh. All forums are like the usenet - same problem over there. Nobody likes to listen, everyone want's to shout.
Posted by bobcares, 12-29-2001, 01:45 PM
Actually searching really helps. Most of the things I want to ask is always there on the forum... the result being I've never started a thread... But I do not mind that. I feel many ask the same question again because they feel that their question is slightly different. Have a great day: regards amar
Posted by mahinder, 12-29-2001, 02:58 PM
i also enjoy clicking that button, which gives me hot posts since opening of this form, and this is how i came to know about many scams because those posts useually have long no. of replies.
Posted by BravoComm, 12-29-2001, 07:48 PM
I use the search function all the time. Lots of good information built up after so long. Thanks WHT!
Posted by webarama, 12-30-2001, 07:10 AM
Except SIP, which I just went looking for.
Posted by Gordo, 12-30-2001, 12:01 PM
There's a learning curve, hopefully. First I looked at old threads manually, then learned of the search feature. Later I noticed the view all posts since last visit in the right side bar. Sure I haven't learned all board features yet. Is there a page that explains all the board features?
Posted by Martie, 12-30-2001, 01:54 PM
once you get used to using it I think for newbies it takes a post or two before they even realize what the search function is all about...BUT, very valuable in bringing up info for whatever subject

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