Like a Scratched Record

[Theodore Casser]

I was wondering if it wouldn't be possible to put a note on the 'New Topic'/'Add Reply' template to remind folks to do a search (and check the FAQs) before they start a new thread, and see if perhaps their question hasn't been answered already. It might solve the problem in some of the fora with the same questions cropping up over and over again, or at the very least reduce the number of repetitive posts.

The thought occurred to me after seeing the fifteenth (or so) thread started in the SCEA forum inquiring after when the updated exam will be out.

[paul wheaton]

Well, there is a search link there already.

I think most folks here are already fairly search savvy, so when I see something like that, I always figure they wanna visit more than get an answer.

I would guess that with a case like that, a staff member might make a link to the best thread and say something like "Damn good question. Join us over here for some discussion on that." and then close the thread.

And they might not.

Sometimes a mighty kind ranch hand will make a link.

I remember the first time I posted something in a forum I did that, and the folks were really great in helping me get the lay of the land. Nice folks.