Can I ask why people do this?

[Crothian]

Actually, complaining about it doesn't do that. Politely informing them to use the search would accomplish that.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Actually, complaining about it doesn't do that. Politely informing them to use the search would accomplish that.

I couldn't agree more, but this isn't about other message boards... This is about ENworld, one of the nicer and friendlier boards I've ever run across from.

Being rude isn't tolerated, and I'm quite proud of the fact... Hey everyone’s quick to say that post count doesn't matter but when I have 4600 plus posts here and like 66 on WoTC forum I think you can see that it indeed does count for something.

 

[Wrath of the Swarm]

Actually, complaining about it doesn't do that. Politely informing them to use the search would accomplish that.

But there's really no way to do that without, in actuality, being insulting. At best you can hide that consequence deep enough in implication that some people won't notice it.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

But there's really no way to do that without, in actuality, being insulting.

People end wars via the written word I think showing and asking someone to use the search feature isn't nearly as hard.

 

[Crothian]

But there's really no way to do that without, in actuality, being insulting. At best you can hide that consequence deep enough in implication that some people won't notice it.

+

Sure there is.

"This is actually a question that has been brought up a few times before. If you could please run a search on it (or go to the links I found when I did a search on it listed below) you should have your questions answered. If, however, your questions are not answered then please ask them after reading the other other threads."

 

[Bloodstone Press]

First the why is this:
Some people have low self-esteem and look for ways to belittle other people as a method propping up their own self-concept. By saying in effect "I'm better than you because I've been here longer/seen that discussion already/already argued that to death." they are making themselves feel good.

Complaining that the question has shown up before makes the person aware of this and rebukes them for not checking first.

I don't think anyone should ever be rebuked for asking a question. Even if it has been asked a million times before. Have you ever trained someone to do a difficult task at work? At which point do you start "rebuking" them for asking the same question too many times?

Furthermore, it is morally wrong to rebuke someone for not doing something that they are not capable of doing in the first place (searching old threads)

But there's really no way to do that without, in actuality, being insulting. At best you can hide that consequence deep enough in implication that some people won't notice it.

First, I doubt there is anyone on these boards more skilled in handing out verbal beat-downs than myself, and I have to completely disagree with you on this. Being polite is not impossible, it is only more difficult for some of us than others.

For example:
you might post a thread asking about the prevalence of gamer girls.

I might say " Hi WotS. Did you know this topic has been discussed before? If you would like to read those discussions, here are the links [insert links found via searching] "

I might say " This topic comes up every few months and it usually results in people saying things like [insert various comments I remember from previous threads] "

There is no reason for me to say things that imply I think that I am in some way "better than you" because I simply happen to have seen similar discussions in the past.

Really though, the problem is that the impersonality of text communication lends itself to perceived insults and supposed affronts. Therefore, we should always go the extra mile to be as polite as possible. Make generous use of the " " and don't make accusatory statements. Couch your language with phrases like "I think" and "maybe" and "perhaps." Be careful not to act aloof or superior. Say “we” rather than “you,” if at all possible.

Being condescending, aloof, intimidating, accusatory, presumptive, and belligerent are tactics you use when you are looking for a fight. They shouldn't be used here.

And, of course, if we don't have anything nice to say, we probably shouldn't say anything at all.

 

[Crothian]

and Bloodstone Press makes it to my "likes" list. Nicely put, very good, Sir, very good.

 

[Wrath of the Swarm]

Furthermore, it is morally wrong to rebuke someone for not doing something that they are not capable of doing in the first place (searching old threads)

Quite right. Which is why I said that point doesn't apply to EN World as much as other boards.

In hindsight, perhaps making the search function available only to members wasn't such a hot idea, but them's the breaks.

I might say " Hi WotS. Did you know this topic has been discussed before? If you would like to read those discussions, here are the links [insert links found via searching] "

I might say " This topic comes up every few months and it usually results in people saying things like [insert various comments I remember from previous threads] "

Implied subtext: WotS is unable to perform a simple search and needs this function pointed out to him in extremely basic terms.

The happy faces just make it worse, man.

And, of course, if we don't have anything nice to say, we probably shouldn't say anything at all.

Such a strategy, if implemented, would bring the world of discourse crashing to a halt. I recommend avoiding this at all costs.

 

[Piratecat]

and Bloodstone Press makes it to my "likes" list. Nicely put, very good, Sir, very good.

Mine, too. Well put, especially the last part.

This place is only as friendly as we ourselves make it. If we're rude to someone, they paint the entire site with that same brush. I'd much rather have people feel welcomed.

 

[barsoomcore]

Implied subtext: WotS is unable to perform a simple search and needs this function pointed out to him in extremely basic terms.

If somebody posts something that's been discussed a million times, I think it's fair to assume they either don't know how to perform a search or simply aren't aware that they can. So indeed, pointing it out to them in basic terms is what's required.

There's no insult contained in assuming that someone does not know something, just like there's no shame in not knowing something. If you find it embarassing to have your ignorance pointed out to you, that's your business, I'm afraid. Other people cannot be expected to accomodate that idiosyncrasy.

If the person having search functions pointed out to them KNEW about the functions, then presumably they have some reason for not having used them. They can now refine their comments so that the reason for posting a new thread is clear to all readers. If they merely forgot to consider searching, or didn't know they could, then the appropriate response on their part is, "Thank you."

Nobody's gotten insulted here. I don't see why you would feel insulted in a similar case.