We need a button that says "do a search, this exact topic was discussed last week!"

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Over the years, pretty much everything in scuba has been discussed here many times. This is a discussion site. If we were to rely on searches for everything, we would shut down the discussions and just have a search function. That is not what we are about.

When I was a newer SB user, someone replied to one of my questions with a pretty hostile "Do a search, dammit!" post. It really made me feel unwelcome, and it angered me because I had done a search, and my question was slightly different from what I had found in that search.

More importantly, though, asking the same question can get you a different answer. Woody Allen once said that history is made by those who show up. That is absolutely true on ScubaBoard. Your repeated question can get a remarkably different response from the last time it was asked, depending upon who happens to be online to respond. That is especially true in the geographical forums. If you want to get a good recommendation of a dive operator, read a bunch of the threads asking the same question and compare the variety of answers to see what makes the most sense for you.
 
... and place the button beside the 'like' button.
Meh.. this is just the nature of open online communities.

You can either ignore the post or help the dude(ette) out with a quick answer or opinion.


P.S.

This has been complained about before. Do a search before posting next time!
 
. . .

P.S.

This has been complained about before. Do a search before posting next time!

I just did a search, and I cannot find where anyone in a previous "do a search thread" has suggested a "do a search" button. Seems to me the OP offered a new contribution to a previously discussed theme. There. :wink:
 
Ask a question, any question and you're sure to get a plethora of answers. Hopefully one of them is right for you. :D :D :D

I just did a lengthy thread on o-rings. With over twenty likes, I thought I did a good job. Then @Akimbo posted a link of his discussion on the same thing. Yeah, it was a different voice, but his was far better done with probably more research. Wow, I missed that thread before and am glad he posted a link.

Telling someone to do a search isn't cool
Doing a search for someone and posting the results is cool and helps everyone out.
 
Telling someone to do a search isn't cool

(agreeing and expanding on the above)
You can say something that is more productive like "Here are some threads that might help that I found using the search tool" or "Try this Google search: scuba regulator cause freeflow".

... and place the button beside the 'like' button.

Put yourself in the position as a new member asking the question. Would you prefer the above responses to "Search the darn board before you waste my time again you twit". :mad: :no: :shakehead:

Granted, the last example might be more satisfying to reply before you have had your morning coffee. :)
 
I just did a search, and I cannot find where anyone in a previous "do a search thread" has suggested a "do a search" button. Seems to me the OP offered a new contribution to a previously discussed theme. There. :wink:
I was just joking. Maybe it wasn't a good one. I won't quit my day job yet.
 
Being new to the forum here, I searched prior to asking a question. Found a prior thread and added an additional/related question and the 1st response was asking why I was replying to such an old thread. It’s a no win with some, either way.

No biggie. As someone says, just scroll on by.
 
Being new to the forum here, I searched prior to asking a question.

Good on ya mate, but there are no search tools as discriminating for quality than the collective wisdom of ScubaBoard's members. The best part of searching for answers first it the results can help you refine the question you really have in terms that are less likely to be misinterpreted. Things like using the most common nomenclature or "I read this thread but it doesn't really explain it to me".
 
and the 1st response was asking why I was replying to such an old thread.
I love Zombie threads. Resurrect them as often as possible. They often bring back great memories of old users who have passed or no longer visit.
 
I love Zombie threads. Resurrect them as often as possible. They often bring back great memories of old users who have passed or no longer visit.
On the other hand....

If you have a good question that you want answered, appending it to an old thread can result in its being lost. People may dismiss it without reading because they see at as just another late addition to a discussion that has run its course. I personally would always prefer that you start a new thread with your new question. You can reference the old one, of course, but you are more likely to get a fresh look with fresh eyes with a fresh thread.

Note that I am relating a personal preference.
 
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