New Users and Search feature ...

This may start a war but I figure it must be said sooner or later. It seems like the last couple of months there are lots of new members (welcome aboard!) asking very basic (or not so basic) questions that have been thorougly discussed previously. The Search feature on this board works great and really should be used before asking a question. I belong do other online forums covering things from cars to cellphones to computers and newbies get thoroughly flamed for asking questions without searching first (STFF!) .... I hope nobody takes this personally ...

 

Yep, that's great advise. I've been here a while and I still use the search feature. Very useful!
-Corbin

 

Well I haven't been here for that long, but I do often use the Search feature. So I agree w/ Dan. My .02

-David

 

Agree with Dan. Saves a lot of time and frustration, and gives a lot of info.

 

Add me to the list. Before asking for Mustang II parts sources from us for a buddy, at least have the courtesy to get off your ass and do a Google search first. I am getting to the point where I just don't respond because I will sound too angry...LOL!!

 

they wouldn't be "newbies" if they new everything.i direct them to the search opt. to me that is a way of being nice to them to start with. then we flame them later after we get to know them....frank...

 

Well, said Frank

Thanks, I was trying to figure out a way of saying that,,,,,but you did it for me. I understand the reason for the post, but "I" definitely do not want to make a new member feel bad and I will admit I do not use the search AT ALL, I like to post questions that have already been ask just so someone will talk to me at 3 am .......open arms man, open arms.

 

I have been thinking about this for a while myself.
I have seen on a couple of forums that they have a FAQ section with real well written questions and answers. The FAQ is not frequent topic threads, but rather common questons including tech questions etc. with written responses.

They have two areas one general area, and one for members only. The general area is well documented, and the member only areas have a few more bells and whistles.

Just a thought

 

Actually there is a FAQ section on the main page of this site, but it hasn't been updated in a long time. Maybe some of us who have been at this for a while could divide up and write some short articles for it. Then maybe Stefan could put a link to it directly from this message board. Just an idea.

Sam

 

Well, since a new member might not know anything about the search feature and will more than likely go straight to his question rather than doing any kind of search I think that maybe our regular members should do a search for them, create the link, and instead of posting another answer just supply the link to the search in your reply. I think that would save a lot of time in the long run and would be the neighborly thing to do instead of sending them out on their own. It won't take them long to catch on as soon as they get addicted like the rest of us.

 

Thanks Ray. You said it right! I'm a "Newbie" to this message board (and to any message board, for that matter). I had never been to a message board and knew nothing about how they work. I didn't realize there was even a search option until just recently. I stumbled upon this board by accident and was really impressed with the weath of information and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere here.

I was kind of disappointed when I started reading this thread. On the one hand, everyone is welcomed here & strongly encouraged to ask for help, now they're complained about when they do. I think what Ray suggests will help by both answering the questions and pointing out the search option at the same time. I've used the search option and it works great.

Thanks Stefan for creating this great resource we have here and thanks to everyone who has taken the time to answer any stupid question I may have posted. Sorry if I pissed anyone off. I'll use the search option first.

 

A newbie like me can't even ask a simple question without doing all that research. What's this world coming to? Thanks stefan, this is the only forum I know how to get to right now and it's helped a bunch to get my two mav's where they are(info and parts).

 

" no newbie will be left behind" ...frank...