A POLL - Would you consider it to be rude to ask someone to ...

[MUCHO REEF]

I see a lot of the same questions being repeatedly ask and answered weekly and sometimes daily. I know this is something that is merely a part of every reefing site and every forum and many have said in the past that it will never go a way. If you really need a swift answer, and there's no one on line who knows that answer, doing a quick search can yield it in minutes and sometimes just seconds. So I'm asking, to help cut down on this redundancy, would it be rude to politely suggest to someone to do a quick search? Now I'm NOT talking about being a smart-alec and making an inflammatory jab at the person just because they ask. I'm talking about a polite redirect to the possible answer, not a rebuke.

We once had an active "Zoanthid Information Draft", and even then a lot of people failed to even use it as many of the answers were right there. So the question stands, "Would you consider it to be rude to ask someone to do a quick search" to yield an answer expeditiously? If you're reading this, please take just a second to answer yes or no. The poll is located up top just above the text, please check yes or no.Your opinion is vital. Thanks


Mucho Reef

PS, if you give a verbal opinion, please vote as well. If you vote, a verbal opinion is also welcomed as it explains your vote and why you feel the way you do.

 

[KafudaFish]

No. If people did a quick search first and then asked the question there would be fewer and fewer of the repeats.

It is one thing if the person is new to the hobby/RC and just does not know but it is another if the person has some experience here.

I do not ask many questions because I usually look for the answer first and if I don't find what I am looking for then I will post. One reason why people should do this more often is I always find additional information that may be related to my question but always helps me in the end.

Honestly people are lazy and even if you direct them to the area to look for they will often ask for a link too. I figure if I remembered a thread or could find it someone else could too.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

You don't categorically think people are lazy do you? I'm posting this because many just aren't aware of the search and also as a reminder to check it if you need a prompt and diverse reply.

BY the way, the actual poll is above the text, Please check a box. Thanks.


Mucho Reef

 

[Jason S]

I say no as long as you say it in a helpful mannner, and not point fingers.

Saying something like;
"Google it, bonehead"
or:
"Another of the same question.."

Could be rude, but i do not think these are:
"I have found some good answers to that question using the search forums option. I would check there."
or,
"Here are some posts that I found using the search option,
link
Link
...You might find them helpful."

 

[KafudaFish]

Checked the box. Thanks for reminding me.

I don't know if I would consider it being lazy but more of "I want the answer now" syndrome. It seems that if it takes more than a few minutes people don't want to look anymore.

There is a new book out about how the internet is affecting people and making them think differently. Perhaps this book is right on the mark.

Again we all ask the same questions from time to time and there is nothing wrong with that.

I have seen threads where a person will ask a question, get a link posted to the answer, fail to click on the link and keep asking. Is that lazy? Maybe.

On the flip side, if a thread is 20 pages long it is not always in the best interest to scan all 400+ posts.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I say no as long as you say it in a helpful mannner, and not point fingers.

Saying something like;
"Google it, bonehead"
or:
"Another of the same question.."

Could be rude, but i do not think these are:
"I have found some good answers to that question using the search forums option. I would check there."
or,
"Here are some posts that I found using the search option,
link
Link
...You might find them helpful."

I agree 2,000%

If NO is the majority after 30 days, lets begin to come up with a blanket statement for redirect that is polite, kind and non offensive. Even if no is not the majority and some would like to use it, go ahead, but be respectful. I like what Jason said.

OPTIONS

1. Jason S - "I have found some good answers to that question using the search forums option. I would check there."

2. Mucho Reef - I have used the "search" option to find some great answers in the past. Give it a shot and see all the answers available to that question. Good luck mate"

3. Mucho Reef - Using the "search" option to the right top of this page has tons of information on that topic. Give a shot, good luck"

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.




Add yours to the list.

 

[jefathome]

I voted "No, it is not rude"... the only time I ever have issues with the search thing is when the info I'm looking for has too few letters in it. Can't think of an example right now, but it has happened.... Maybe if I were searching for answers about "GFO" or something.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Hey Jeff, when that happens, just come here and ask for suggestions on what to actually type in your search. I see nothing wrong with that. Look I know I'm overly verbal sometimes, but this forum is not being utilized the way it potentially can be. There are no DUMB questions. A lot here I don't agree with, but I will publicly defend everyones right to their opinions as long as they are not rude and/or disrespectful. So don't be afeaid to ask for help with your search, you will be surprised with the helpful people who will quickly chime in. That's just my 2 cents.

Mucho Reef

 

[Guygettnby]

i in no way see how it would be rude to tell somebody to search for the answer. that is the first thing i do when i am in need of some help and i would expect others to do the same. this site has alot of good info and of course the next best source for me is "GOOGLE"

i understand to some that the search button is a PITA, but it is no where near as horrible as it used to be when i first started on this site. back then the darn thing never worked or just said it was busy. if the person still does not find the answer they are looking for then by all means post up and ask for help. i see too many ignorant people on this site that think they are the ****... or they are too good to help others when in need. i see many people tell others to use the search button when they just a week earlier asked the same thing :lol: i even see people go so far as to tell the person to click on the seach button for the answer, but yet they themselves dont even know the answer.

sorry, i got into rant mode... seems to happen when i post in the zoanthid section now a days.

 

[the808state]

 

[650-IS350]

Lol 808

 

[mfd574]

Agree with Jason S.

 

[phil121]

Not rude at all.

Just say, "There are a couple of great threads answering that very question, I don't have the links off the top of my head, but if you do a search you should have no trouble finding them." You can add a smiley for extra niceness. Lol.

 

[sruiz]

or you can do the " lmgtfy.com "

 

[Stusdesktop]

Pointing out the search function or even recent threads is not rude and is a normal comment on most boards.

I will say that how a question is phrased and presented goes a long way to how I perceive a poster and how/if I'd be likely to answer. There a many differing posting styles and each to their own but the "instant gratification" or "needing approval" type of posts just turn me away from trying to type.

The posts where someone is willing to spend a little time explaining, describing or otherwise trying to get relative information will get my attention.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Pointing out the search function or even recent threads is not rude and is a normal comment on most boards.

I will say that how a question is phrased and presented goes a long way to how I perceive a poster and how/if I'd be likely to answer. There a many differing posting styles and each to their own but the "instant gratification" or "needing approval" type of posts just turn me away from trying to type.

The posts where someone is willing to spend a little time explaining, describing or otherwise trying to get relative information will get my attention.

Hello Stus, without naming any names or pointing any specific fingers, could you clarify your second sentence in your second paragraph? I just want to better understand what you are saying> Thanks my friend.

Mucho

 

[MUCHO REEF]

If anyone feels that it is rude and you wouldn't want to be redirected to the search, could you explain why? And I would ask that no one, no one attacks or targets the person who is against the search.

 

[SLove1104]

I don't think it's necessarily rude, but it shows lack of understanding towards other people as not everyone is aware of the search function, knows how to use it, nor is it very reliable when you want to talk about your specific situation.

To add, internet forums are supported by search engine optimization and the best optimization is content, therefore a site as large as this would not be as popular if it weren't for content created by users. Users' questions, debates, and conversations are what makes internet forums useful, not to mention, we are what decides a forum's popularity.

So while I don't think it's rude to tell someone to "google it", I find that's actually countering what forums are for... If no one asked questions, these forums would not exist. I can answer every question asked here on RC by "googling it"... If everyone made that the case, there would be no need for this forum.

 

[strout]

Rude,,, I say no ,,, but I also agree with SLove1104,,, so I would say,,, answer the repetitive question if you want and if not move on to the next post. Just thinking out loud here, maybe we could make a sticky at the top of the forum section and post some of the repetitive questions there along with the answer, and then just send the reefer there for the answer, no fuss no muss.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I don't think it's necessarily rude, but it shows lack of understanding towards other people as not everyone is aware of the search function, knows how to use it, nor is it very reliable when you want to talk about your specific situation.

To add, internet forums are supported by search engine optimization and the best optimization is content, therefore a site as large as this would not be as popular if it weren't for content created by users. Users' questions, debates, and conversations are what makes internet forums useful, not to mention, we are what decides a forum's popularity.

So while I don't think it's rude to tell someone to "google it", I find that's actually countering what forums are for... If no one asked questions, these forums would not exist. I can answer every question asked here on RC by "googling it"... If everyone made that the case, there would be no need for this forum.

Thanks for the feedback Slove and believe me, I do hear you loud and clear and I do agree with you on most points. I guess what many are saying is this, it's ok and great to ask questions and you're right, without those questions we wouldn't exist. I guess many of us have seen people who want an instant answer and may be upset that they don't get it right away, when the answer is sometimes just sitting there. Many people have told me that they just look and lurk because they don't know as much as others and are simply afraid to post,or make themselves look stupid. This has to change as there is no stupid questions.

Do I think we should just say, "hey, go Google it, or use the search button dummy?" , NO, of course not, it's utterly rude and disrespectful and if I saw someone say that, I will go on record now and say that I will report you to the mods myself. That's not the kind of forum we want here.

Maybe we can create a sticky to inform people of the SEARCH option, but hey, many still don't know there's an ID sub forum up top for ID's. While I would never want to come off rude, I just think it's ok in some instances to give a slight and polite redirect to the search option and tell them where it is. But it should be done kindly and respectfully as we don't want to alienate anyone over a question. If they can't find the answers via the search, they can always return to the forum and seek assistance there.

I think it's very important to just remember that no one knows it all, I certainly don't, and we have to draw people in and not repel them.

Slove, how would you suggest handling this? Thanks again for the feedback. Much respect.

Mucho Reef