J. Goddard Next Mission...

[Wristshot]

Thanks Queen and Scubafool! I also sympathize with the new members that want some information, and (sometimes) get (a little bit) slammed for asking questions.

When I first came here, I wanted some info and the way that I was told to search before asking left a sour taste in my mouth.

Sometimes newcomers don't really know what / where to look. Sometimes their first simple question is just their first attempt at "testing the waters". Slam 'em hard enough and they won't come back --*double thumbs up*--

Sometimes they just want current information! It is wonderful to search for posts, but you know, there are a few things that change over time.

It is great that the Search function is there (ALTHOUGH I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE THE 30 SECONDS DECREASED ALSO!!!!) and it is good to encourage it's use, but more like a friendly helping hand, not like a crusty old curmudgeon.

Just the mental wanderings of one in-duh-vidual.

Wristshot

Am I crazy? Am I certifiable? I have several certifications!

 

[Kat]

I will answer a new members question, (if I know it) then advise them to do a search. Because there will be tons more info for them there.
It's the same as if I welcomed a new member to the board, from Michigan, & then advised them to check out the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew. They'd probably find these things on their own, but I'm just trying to help them out.

 

[MechDiver]

Bottom line, if you don't like answering newbie questions, don't. You use this board for one particulsr set of reasons, others will have different reasons than you do. Live & let live, & help someone who doesn't know as much as you out from time to time (if you feel like doing so).

Assuming you're talking to me and haven't got the hang of the quote reply yet...

You'll have to excuse me if I choose to answer posts that I choose, rather than what you think I should answer. Education does not come in one form.

I would also think, that out of the 1900+ posts I've made, a couple would have been helpful to someone. But even if they haven't, it's my choice to post them. You can read them or not, as you wish, from time to time, if you feel like it.

 

[MechDiver]

When I first came here, I wanted some info and the way that I was told to search before asking left a sour taste in my mouth.

My first answer on the board was a slam, then I got in a brewha over the thread.

I got over it.

 

[Kat]

Yeah, but were a kinder, gentler board now.

I used to work with a girl who would make new employees cry on their first day. Oh man, she was brutal. I was at McDonalds with her once, she made the cashier girl cry.

After her, Scubaboard is a skip in the park.

 

[scubafool]

You are right! I haven't figured out the quote reply yet, as I am pretty much computer illiterate.

You are more than excused, as I think you just made my point for me. DON'T answer posts or threads that you have no interest in. I think that you should use & participate in whatever parts of this board interest you. What does the rest of it matter anyway?

I presume that some of your posts have been quite helpful to someone, and I don't take issue with them. I read everything that catches my eye, no matter who the author might be, I read MUCH faster than I type, LOL.

No offense personally, I just take issue with the whole search before you ask mentality. Peace, bro.

 

[Kat]

All right,
What is the purpose of the search option? If it is not used AND people don't like to be told it is an option, why does the board have it?


Questions are what is so great about the board. BUT, how many time do we need to have someone ask what DIR, AOW, or whatever, means. Every time someone new comes along who doesn't know? OMG! Please put forth a little, just a little effort & look it up. I know how offensive that suggestion might be and that people have issues & all, with the search option. However, the search option helps to expidite the frivolous, over asked questions. It eliminates the redundancy that is bound to happen, when you have new people joining a well established board.

 

[The Chairman]

Kat,

as has been suggested. If you offer the newbie what you found when you looked it up for them, it's not nearly as offensive and it get's the same message across. We even APPEAR friendly that way.

 

[MechDiver]

BUT, how many time do we need to have someone ask what DIR, AOW, or whatever, means. Every time someone new comes along who doesn't know? OMG! Please put forth a little, just a little effort & look it up.

Exactly my point in starting this thread

I know how offensive that suggestion might be and that people have issues & all, with the search option.

This is what I totally fail to understand. I can't believe someone would be bent out of shape if asked to do some basic work for themselves in answering a question. Why should I take MY time, to answer something for the 5000th time, that will start yet another 7 page thread about using nitrox, or pony bottles, or whatever. I fail to realize how the statement, "this has been discussed many times already. You can do a search and find many posts about it" will immediately cause a newbie to go into cardiac arrest.

 

[MechDiver]

You are right! I haven't figured out the quote reply yet, as I am pretty much computer illiterate.

At the bottom right of the post window you'll see a button marked "Reply". I always right click on the botton, then choose "open in new window". That will preserve my existing search window (New Posts) and let me respond in a separate window that I close after posting my reply.

When you choose the "Reply" button, you'll notice that the post window now contains the text of the poster you're responding to, with a

at the start, and a

at the end. The bracketed text denotes the start and stop of the text that will be shown in the replya as a quote. You can break sentences by copying the "end quote" and "begin quote" where you want them.
Takes a little practice (like using the search function ), but is easy once you get the hang of it.

MD