old threads, new postings

[BadFish]

I can prove it. I was sailing today while everyone in the Bergh was freezing. Go Steelers though.

Hahaha, well played....

Go Steelers indeed.

Cheers

Bill

[James S]

One reason people start new threads is how poorly the search works.
Yesterday I started a thread about propane lines....today I did a search for propane lines....all sorts of stuff comes up that has nothing to do with the subject.....do the search and see for your self
In my very new and non high tech view...the search tool is almost completely useless.
Please help educate me as to how I can use it more efficiently....otherwise, you may want to point me to existing posts if I start a thread that’s redundant...but try and be a little patient with us….do you really think we want to come off as ignorant or annoying?

[FrankZ]

James,

Were you using the google search function? It seems to work a lot better than the built in search. If you click the search drop down at the top of the page you will see a custom google search. Give that a try and see if it helps.

[James S]

Thanks Frank...I search Google separate...my criticism is about searching the forums info....threads and posts.
Thanks again Frank

[sailorboy1]

I find new posts to old threads sometimes interesting because I never saw it, and never had a reason to search for it. Also, lots of people come and go and old threads lots of times get more input that they did when new because of this. So I say go forth and post to it.

[FrankZ]

The custom google search only searches here. It just uses the google engine.

[James S]

OK Frank...that is a BIG help...I just tried it, and will be very busy for some time looking through all that info....a really big thanks for that tip!

[hallie]

oh no, not another 'hal'! now i have to read carefully to see if someone's talking to me. bwa hahah.

i have to agree with complaints about the search function. useless.

i feel no shame reviving an old thread. if it's interesting, and it's still up there (hasn't been weeded out) well - it's fair game. *as long as i actually read the whole friggin' thread so i know what's already been written*. and am aware how old it is. it's very irritating to read (or post) the same things over and over for the sake of someone who's too lazy to read what's already inked. hint: you are the offender if you disclaim, 'i didn't read all the above posts, but i just wanted to say [insert bleating here]'. and this happens in current threads, not just old ones. reading what's written before posting your own material is basic netiquette.

there is a lot of reading material here, years worth of it. i don't think it's reasonable to expect newcomers to study it all before posting anything, or maybe repeating an old question. but if you post to a thread, whatever age, i think it *is* reasonable to hope you actually read at least all of the thread you're posting to. and to accept re-direction to old threads graciously, where indicated.

[BadFish]

Ditto what Don said.

Cheers

Bill

[MarkJ]

I don't mind reviving an old thread but I don't like being told to go search for info instead of posting. A forum where you feel afraid to post aint gunna last.

Also if I start a new thread it prolly because I want specific advice about a specific question. I don't want to troll through years of advice to other peoples different questions.

Finally, old threads on new or changing technologies should not be revived. Someone asks today about internet on a boat - well, theres no use telling the person to search as the technology is changing on a month to month basis.


However, people who revive 5 year old posts with "Yea, me too!" need to be shot with a ICW gun




Mark

[sailorboy1]

I'm with Mark in that being told to go search old threads normally turns off people. Most of the times the way this gets worded is kind of "go search the old posts you ...." and the tone is that you are bothering the person who responded. Kind of werid that people get pissed because you "wasted" their reading time and then take the time to write a reply. I will say that this forum is much friendier than Sailnet where some real angry people "hang" out on this subject.

[Therapy]

Yea,

Like just how old is the latest comparison graph of the wind generators anyway?

Will the Honda 2000 run a small A/C?

Is instant propane water heating really dangerous - I mean like stove cooking dangerous?

[Chief Engineer]

Can I fill 5 XXXXX tanks from one deck fill?

Can I put a generator on my prop shaft?

Can I make money working in the Islands?

Where can I go to evade the taxman?

Is my Phalanx CIWS legal in Bermuda?

Go.....Ravens.......

[Celestialsailor]

Well...I'm of the camp that you should use the search first. I say that only because I have also felt stupid for posting a new thread that was already beat to death. I did however post one recently inquiring about Sayes Rigs (self steering). It's been days and cobwebs are beginning to form on it...

[GordMay]

For the reasons already stated, I very often feel a little guilty when I just suggest a “custom google” search (the smaller search icon near the top of the page).
How do people feel when I answer with some links to some of our previous discussions? Is that too abrupt?