teach rookies how to search

[Ken Leung]

After reading some comments in this thread: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=32789

I realized how hard it might be fore new members to search for threads they've never seen. Most of the time when I was searching for threads, I search by keywords I've seen in the thread title, in the thread content, and/or by the user name of the poster. That might not be possible for a new member who've never been in the forum before.

So here is what I suggest. Everytime someone asked a question that could've been answered by doing a search, instead of just posting the link directing to the answer, ALSO INCLUDE a few description on how you found that thread with the search. You can describe what key words you use, what user name, etc.

If everyone can do that, maybe people will have an easier time understanding how to use the search.

[Greg Ross]

Very good suggestion, Ken.

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Would it be possible to add something like to the FAQ or the site rules like as pointers? Since Brandon has loads on his plate right now, this isn't urgent . A great idea to help out.

Something to make a note of: I find that way back when I joined Chief...oh gosh, it's been a while...that I reacted best when people told me politely that I was doing something wrong and that I need to search next time. It was done politely in the form of pm or rep, and I had immense respect for the user that could do that politely after dealing with it so much. Although rookies will never truely learn how to search, I think making the transition into a mature community would be made easier if there was less discussion of over-highlighting mistakes.

I think this idea will be very effective.

- Genia