ATTENTION! Members Please Read.

[Runner]

I seems to be a strong belief among most of us that a little more emphasis needs to be put on the search function-especially with the newer guys. It appears we're getting an abundance of repeated threads put up when there is really no reason for this. i.e. "Is Echo a good trimmer", "Small gate-big mower", etc.,etc.. When there are so many of the same threads being put up, all it's doing is taking up unnecessary space on the program, and in the long run making the search function not as thorough and efficient as, for example, there would now be 2,3,and 4 threads that say the exact same things. Please! Gentlemen, (especially the new guys) explore and use the search function if you haven't, and together, we can keep Lawnsite as simple, effective, and easy to use as all possible. Now, I know that the vast majority of everyone already does this, and don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but with such an abundance of newcomers and so on, there is getting to be more and more "wasted" threads. Eric and other moderators, you can delete this if you wish, or move back up to the top occasionally. Whatever you deem appropriate. Thanks everybody!

[AB Lawn Care]

Good point!Search first and then ask.You can get more answers faster by searching!Its worth the effort!

[RYAN]

I agree. If you have a question on a product I am sure we have covered almost every product and compared them to others so you can easily find them in the search. The search mode will usually give you a lot more threads to look at than you would get by asking the question again. Plus I think people get sick of answering the same question over and over.

[Eric ELM]

I might add that here is a search page to help out new members. Click on it and then save it in your favorites so you can always find it. It is also in the upper left corner of every page in the Help Registering and Participating. I hope this helps. :)
http://www.elmlawnsite.com/lawnsite_post_links.htm

[plymouthvaliant73]

Originally posted by Runner
for example, there would now be 2,3,and 4 threads that say the exact same things.

Ironically, this is one of those threads.

Personally, I don't mind answering the same questions on this and other boards that I visit. I keep files on common questions in my areas of expertise and then just copy and paste.

This is not some dead archive or faq. A message board like Lawnsite is a living community. The old should be willing to share with the new.

:cool:

[1MajorTom]

I definitely agree with using the search engine for the new members.

But on the same token, we have to remember that with all the new traffic we are getting here, we want to give the newer members chances to add their input also. If we were to just constantly refer back to older posts, nothing new would ever be added.

So yes, the search engine is a definite tool that should be utilized. But I also hope that when a new member reviews the search, they take the time to add their input to some of the questions that have been asked too.

[kutnkru]

I think thats a damn good idea Jodi.

Instead of starting new threads, keep the old ones ALIVE so that when they are researched there will be an abundance of information instead of multiple duplicate threads.

Is there a way to possibly combine these duplicates to help eliminate this currently??

Kris

[Lee Homan]

Okay, How about at the top of the Lawnsite page, say, in maybe a 48 point font (Yeah, overkill I know, but it would grt their attention)put "new members, in order to cut down on repeat threads please do a search on your subject first, than, if nothing comes up start new thread.

[awm]

The search is a valuable resource of past
questions and answers.Everyone should take advantage
of it.
But these are past items.The answers to questions
are changing all the time.NEW METHODS,CERTAIN THING
THOUGHT TO BE RIGHT THAT TURN OUT NOT TO BE RIGHT,
Equipment quality changes etc.In other wds change is constant.
But more important,if folks become apprehensive
about posting because their subject has been discussed
before .I believe you might be taking part of why this
site is growing away.
I would expect all the post to be made into a book
some day of some form

We do work the moderators so think a bit before you post

[Dennis]

I don't totally agree,, there are many, many new people on here that could help us all.If someone brings up a common question...it is common for a reason, right??
also in another year what will we talk about new equip.???
come on..we wanted questions, we are getting them.
one more thing...continue postings of this type and a lot of people will be intimateded and go else where. is this what we want....just think of what you are asking...
Thanks
Dennis

[thelawnguy]

I dont mind answering the same question every couple months or so (new people on board may have new perspective) but what irks me is when the same question pops up twice or more in the same week.

[Runner]

There's nothing wrong with asking new (or old questions,) but all I was implying is that we first look up a related thread to see if it's answered first, then ask it on that thread. That brings the thread back up tp the top so it's present again. Even if it's 8 months old, it still comes to the beginning if it is wrote into. This way, the info will all be in related threads and not 8 or 9 related threads. :)

[plymouthvaliant73]

I have seen on another message board that the "new thread" button is next to the "search" button.

The "new thread" button then takes you to a "search" page with instructions to search first before posting a question.

The new member has to click to yet a third page before actually being allowed to start a new thread.

[Scott Campbell]

I will say this, as one of the new guys on the site I do try my best to search the old posts. An excellent archive of information, that is a given. However, and this just may be me, if I am reading a post that is several months old I don't feel that a reply to that post is the best thing to do.

I have the feeling that if I reply to that old post that I may be missing another one somewhere else that has already covered that issue. Which I have read in some of these old posts' on someone making reference to this. I don't think that I am alone in not wanting to irritate you guys with things that have been gone over already. (irritate may be the wrong word, but you know what I mean)

I will try and decipher from the old ones the best that I possibly can before I post a reply or start a new one. Even with these intentions I still may miss a post somewhere on a subject.

I agree with Dennis though. Some who read threads like this are going to be apprehensive about potentially rocking the boat with others. Me, I try and do the correct thing, almost always. :) But, even then I still manage to come up with a bonehead move now and again. This may be one of them, I hope not. ;)

[Runner]

Originally posted by Scott Campbell
I will say this, as one of the new guys on the site I do try my best to search the old posts.

>> We can certainly appreciate that.


However, and this just may be me, if I am reading a post that is several months old I don't feel that a reply to that post is the best thing to do.

>> Why not? The thread is already there. Bringing it up again will allow several who hadn't seen it before, to see it.

I have the feeling that if I reply to that old post that I may be missing another one somewhere else that has already covered that issue. Which I have read in some of these old posts' on someone making reference to this.

>> Again, THAT thread is already there. It won't hurt.


I don't think that I am alone in not wanting to irritate you guys with things that have been gone over already. (irritate may be the wrong word, but you know what I mean)

>> There is no irritation or even a "bother" from you doing what is necessary to get an answer to any question or add any information you may have. PLEASE feel free, and do not hesitate on anything for fear of "irritating" anyone.:)


I will try and decipher from the old ones the best that I possibly can before I post a reply or start a new one. Even with these intentions I still may miss a post somewhere on a subject.

>> This can happen to all of us. Prime example:? THIS post! I used search first, entering "duplicate threads" and came up with nothing, but someone said THIS has been covered before. And I STARTED the thing!:)


Some who read threads like this are going to be apprehensive about potentially rocking the boat with others.

>> Again, please don't be. All, and I mean ALL of you have as much right to the priveledge of being on here as I, or anyone else does.


Me, I try and do the correct thing, almost always. :) But, even then I still manage to come up with a bonehead move now and again. This may be one of them, I hope not. ;)
>> You and me both! Oh yeah, just another thing to the newer members; The only dumb question on here, is the one not asked. What you may think perhaps is a dumb question, might just clear something up for ALOT of people. It happens everyday! Once again, thanks everybody, and God bless you all.

[Edited by Runner on 02-23-2001 at 12:42 AM]

[Skookum]

Sometimes those posts lead to other avenues that the older ones did not!

Input is input, Advise is advise, Do not give the advise if you do not want to, if your bored with this forum go to another for a few days and then come back, I wish I could, but I am hooked, line and sinker!

[4 Saisons]

lol..lawn site addict, where do i get my green pills.

It's right that a new post of an old topics can lead to new solution, but usually the old post are not so far behind.

Searching on the data base will become harder, and we gonna have a lot of post with only few reply. Also not easy to keep a good follow up when you have over 2 pages of treads each days. even in this short period duplication may occur.

Denis

[geogunn]

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! THINK ABOUT IT! A DOUBLE POST! I THINK THE NEW MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE TO PUT UP THEIR FIRST BORN CHILD AS A "LIVING BOND" IN CASE THEY SUBMIT A DOUBLE THREAD FOR A PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED TOPIC. IF THEY FAIL TO USE THE "SEARCH" FEATURE AND COMMIT THE DEADLY SIN OF A DOUBLE THREAD...OFF WITH JUNIORS HEAD, JUST LIKE THE PRUNING OF AN OFFENSIVE NANDINA! CHOP! CHOP! IS WHAT I SAY!

OH! by the way, while I am logged on, can anyone tell me how often I should sharpen my blades?

GEO

[Scott Campbell]

Excellent question geo, I vaguely remember one other post about this question. :D

[cutting edge]

Why not have dedicated folders at the top of the threads (like the announcement folder) with headings like:
double blades
which brand of trimmer, blower, etc.
ztrs
pricing
etc.

You could even place sub folders within each folder to make it more specific.

Just a thought.

[thefarmer4]

What if a new forum was started for people new to the site. Instead of them posting in commercial lawn care they could post in a new members forum.(the moderater could forward the post to another forum if he thought it would be a useful subject)

Even if you find info in the search sometimes it's nice to interact with the other members of this site, esspecially when your new.

We could also stess using the personal messege forum so that the new guys can cotact us directly if they find something in the search that they want to discuss further.

just some options.

[Charles]

Does this whole discussion really matter? You dont have to answer or look at any question you dont want to. New people to the forum(but experieced in the lawncare industry) who have been at lawnsite for a short time probably dont mind answering the question and may offer some new insight. trying to control the forum like this will make it,like has been said,a dormant archive. There are not that many facets to the lawn care industry that new questions will go on endlessly. But new ideas by new and old can go on endlessly. Once you have been hanging around this site for a good while there will not be many discussion or questions that are new to you.

[Skookum]

I agree with Charles, and look at HIS post count!

[jcoat]

I think some of the guys have good ideas about the subcategorization (Big, FAT word!! Wait, is THAT a word?). Why not have sections (like the LawnSite Mainpage) that cover Mower Maintenance; How do I start my LMO?; Models; Pricing/Man Hours; Should I start a LMO?; etc...
I know it's probably a lot of work for the administrators and maybe it wouldn't be, but I think this probably could help eliminate a lot of the double-postings. I've been on the site for about a year now and have low posting numbers, BUT I always, always, always use the search function and if it ain't there, then I ask. As always, thanks a lot guys for the vast information that is contained in this site. My .02!