Use The Search Feature

[CCRII]

I see a ton of threads on here repeating everyday. I wish someone would make a sticky to remind users particularly new users that they should use the search feature before posting. For the sanity of me and everyone else! Please use the search feature 9/10 the topic has been covered. Don't be lazy!

[postcardcv]

As available gear changes quite regulary it seems reasonable to me for which camera/what lens threads to come around quite regularly.

[Joe Ray]

Easy to say, but it doesn't always work. It is impossible to search for 30D, 40D, 1D, 1Ds etc, because they are under the minimum word length of 4. So if you search for, say, 'advice on 40D' which someone is bound to have asked, you get an error message saying

'The search term you specified (on) is under the minimum word length (4) and therefore will not be found. Please make this term longer.'

Remove the word 'on' and it does the same thing for '40D'.

I see no way round.

[pbst39]

Im sorry this annoys you so much. As the options are so vast I find it understandable that users particularly new users seek clarification on a particular query. Desicions on what can be significant amounts of money should not be taken lightly. So for the sake of your sanity, don't read it or don't post anything!

[Boomer]

Hi CCRII, here's a few thoughts and opinions from a 'one year BF member.'
However, I fear that it won't help the 'sanity of (you) and everyone else.' Please forgive o:D.

I agree that a lot of the topics tend to be repeated...often frequently repeated. However, new members are constantly registering on a daily basis. These newer members should feel that they are welcome to participate in discussions on any topic...even if it means that the topic has aleady been discussed (sometimes ad nauseam). It also gives newer members the opportunity to share what they have learned on BF with these newest members. I know that it made me feel great to be able to share some of my newly BF gained knowledge with newer members. For BF to remain a 'dynamic' forum it needs to continue to have new input from newer members. Otherwise BF would beome more of a library of archives for research, with few if any new posts...and few if any users online. Also, in order for someone to post on an older topic, he/she would need to 'drag up' a retired or buried thread (often with pages of posts).

In order for BF to remain a dynamic forum, new threads on older topics should continue...and yes, often they do seem trite. I would much prefer this over BF becoming a stagnant forum with few new posts, few users online, or just a library of archives for research. I am not saying that BF users shoudn't research their intended topics before starting new threads...I am just saying that the more experienced BF members will continue to have to indulge the lesser experienced BF members. 'It sure beats the alternative.' Best Wishes :t:

Cordially and With Greatest Respect,

Ron Davidson

[RAH]

Although the responses to CCRII's initial post all make valid points, I think he has a very valid point too. I mean, how many times do we need a new thread that says, "I am interested in a cheap spotting scope; any suggestions?" There are many such posts (e.g. superzoom cameras) and indicate NO attempt to see if the topic is already covered. Users to any forum, even new members, should learn to do a search first, then ask a question.

[Boomer]

Although the responses to CCRII's initial post all make valid points, I think he has a very valid point too. I mean, how many times do we need a new thread that says, "I am interested in a cheap spotting scope; any suggestions?" There are many such posts (e.g. superzoom cameras) and indicate NO attempt to see if the topic is already covered. Users to any forum, even new members, should learn to do a search first, then ask a question.

I absolutely agree that CCRII has a very valid point too. In a 'perfect forum' in a 'perfect world' many such posts wouldn't be made.

Please follow the path:

www.birdforum.net (http://www.birdforum.net)
>forums>Site Notice Board>Sticky: Birdforum Guidelines-Please read>...
..(then, quoted):
"Welcome to Bird Forum, the friendliest discussion forum on the Internet." (end quote)

I think that we should try not to lose the meaning of: 'friendliest' and 'discussion.'

Most forums and clubs run into the same problem...of the more experienced members becoming bored with the topics that they are very familiar with. However, the lesser experienced members are very enthused with those same topics...and haven't had the benefit of being able to participate in the discussions of those topics. One of the benefits (and the 'beauty') of a discussion forum is being able to interact and connect with others on topics of mutual interest...not just research same.

Again, I agree that users should try to research a topic before starting a new thread...but, I really do believe that those with greater experience will need to indulge those with lesser experience. Best Wishes.:t:

Cordially and With Greatest Respect,

Ron

[Freako]

Hi Guy's, I am a recent member of the BF, and I have to say I have been made to feel most welcome. I did read hours of archive posts, and had more or less made my mind up about the equipment I wanted to purchase, but I still posted what would have been to most very basic questions, and it was the replies to these questions that gave me the confidence to spend quite a bit of hard earned cash. I would like to thank all those members who were patient with me, and took the time not only to reply, but to help build up my nerve to take the neccessary steps to improve my photography skills. I am invloved in another forum in which I have reached the pinacle of that hobby, and I understand how frustrating it can be to be asked the same questions over and over again, I have the patience to answer these, some don't, those that don't don't should not worry about those that do! If you don't like a tv programme you switch it off. I suggest to those who get frustrated by this issue not to use this particular forum, that way you will not get stressed. To the others who do, carry on gent's, you are doing a great job:t::t::t: Thank you, Mick

[Mícheál]

I see a ton of threads on here repeating everyday. I wish someone would make a sticky to remind users particularly new users that they should use the search feature before posting. For the sanity of me and everyone else! Please use the search feature 9/10 the topic has been covered. Don't be lazy!

Hate to be fussy, guys, but I think this has already been extensively discussed in an earlier thread.

Mícheál

[Tannin]

Hmmm .... what is this thread doing in the cameras/canon forum? Seems a long way off-topic to me! :)

[Roy C]

Trouble with stickies are that they can get too long and you can find it difficult to get the specific answers you want. I have just been looking at a sticky on a AV forum re a particular TV and there are 130 pages with almost 1000 replies - by the time you have finished reading them all you are ready for the men in white coats to take you away 8-P

[RAH]

Hate to be fussy, guys, but I think this has already been extensively discussed in an earlier thread.

Mícheál
Laugh out loud! :)