"Quick Question" vs. "Duplicat Posts"

[gkarris]

I've seen people get angry and say, "duplicate - please use the search".

I have and sometimes don't put the right keywords in to get it.

Also, with hot topics such as the iPhone and iPod Touch screens, who wants to wade through 100's of posts to get a quick question answered?

When is it okay to post a "quick question" that may have been answered deep within the forums and still have it be okay even though a duplicate?

 

[wordmunger]

Spend a minute or two searching for your answer... if you don't find it, then go ahead and post your question. Many of us have found the google search to be more effective than the standard forum search.

 

[devilot]

Many on here who've actually used the search function knows that it has its limitations.

I think generally, people are more willing to help when queries are presented with helpful facts. When the OP (original poster and/or original post) shows that searches were done on MR and through your search engine of choice.


But also, keep in mind, those who do angrily post "duplicate" or "SEARCH!1!!!" and took the time to say that-- and not at least post some similar threads themselves or report the thread, aren't exactly being helpful and are ironically, cluttering up the forums themselves. That which they accuse others of doing. So try not to let those less patient and tolerant get too under your skin.

 

[Doctor Q]

I'll throw in a suggestion/reminder to use appropriate thread titles. If a thread title is "Need help!" or "Quick question" then it won't stand out to those who might know the answer, and it won't be found by people searching for the same answer in the future.

So those with questions should do themselves and the rest of us a favor by choosing description thread titles, e.g., "Can I connect a printer to my iPhone and print my voicemail?" (That's one I don't think I've seen asked so far!)

 

[FoxyKaye]

Many on here who've actually used the search function knows that it has its limitations.

That's an understatement - I try doing both the Forum Search and then if that doesn't pick up what I'm looking for, go through Google. The worst I've gotten was, "hey, let me link you to the previous discussion on this."

But I do agree that the folks who go all nutz and are like, "DUPLICATE MAN, SCREW YOU," and "SEARCH A LITTLE, GET A LIFE" are off the hook rude.

 

[AmbitiousLemon]

But I do agree that the folks who go all nutz and are like, "DUPLICATE MAN, SCREW YOU," and "SEARCH A LITTLE, GET A LIFE" are off the hook rude.

If they are that rude please report them.

 

[mkrishnan]

Usually, I provide links to the other threads... and usually, I find the threads by putting the poster's subject itself into the search bar (or into Google), so at least when I do this, I somehow doubt that the poster searched and failed.

Also, with hot topics such as the iPhone and iPod Touch screens, who wants to wade through 100's of posts to get a quick question answered?

I think this is a bad attitude, however. People here aren't your tech support. We don't live for your convenience.

 

[tMac85]

I use the search all the time, and sometimes it is a pain to sift through all the previous posts just to find and answer or to just get an opinion. Also with mac being mac, information on their technology is easily outdated and getting an up to date opinion or answer sometimes is the best.

So to all you people who took the time to put some rude comment that shows a pic of a search bar...take the time to answer the damn question. THANKS

 

[Eraserhead]

I generally google with a site:macrumors.com suffix, if I don't see anything in the first 10 links or something I post a thread.

 

[RedTomato]

"Can I connect a printer to my iPhone and print my voicemail?" (That's one I don't think I've seen asked so far!)

Part one: Macslash: Will I Be Able To Print From The iPhone?

Part two: Redirect your number to a secretarial service like MoneyPenny in the UK; they'll take messages for you, type it up and and send to your iPhone via email/fax/sms text message.

Combining the two should answer your hypothetical question. So now you know.