Everyone asks, but almost nobody answers. Is that OK?

[kerem]

Originally posted by Jova
I totally understand what the person who started this thread is saying, and recently, I have made it a point to post replys to new threads with questions, especially if that thread has recieved no replies, because I understand how frustrating it can be to ask a question and then feel like you are being ignored. And as far as the search feature goes, sometimes that just turns into hours and hours of searching through posts that "matched" your query, and still not even coming close to finding the information that you are looking for.

thats exactly what I was trying to explain.

Im glad that I caught the attention of many people here.

[Macimage]

I think most of the good advice has already been given. However, I'll throw out my thoughts.

I spend literally hours every night reading new and old threads. Almost any question about lighting, filtration, sand beds, etc. has already been exhaustively covered. As of today, there are 937,909 threads and 14,348,135 posts. The information is here on RC most of the time.

As noted, the key is to keep it simple when you post a question. Many times I will open a thread and see a LONG long story and I just don't have the time or energy to read it all or figure it out.

Another thing you may not realize is that if a someone asks question after question and never helps anyone else by answering other posts, there is little interest in spending time typing and helping that poster because they are not taking any time helping others and are not passing it forward. I will always notice someone that only takes because a quick search by user name will reveal those that never give. New reefers know enough to help someone just starting out but often times only post asking for help/opinions and don't spend much time posting to help others.

Just my random thoughts.
Joyce

[devgru]

i agree with most.ive asked questions that have been asked numerous times already.

also agree that multiple questions in one post is kinda pushing it

will have to agree about the search engine as well.unless its 3am or your a premium member its mute.

my advice would be to have 1-2 questions per post max and spend the $24 for a year of premium membership.you will be supporting the best reef forum IMO,get added benefits and you get a cool 'i support RC' label.

$24 bucks for a year,thats less than what sally strothers asks for....

[hamiltonguy]

I have to agree with the idea that "questions get asked and answered MULTIPLE" times. I'm new to this forum and I have yet to ask a question that has not been answered with FULL detail.
I started threads about people posting their sumps and aquascapes and I got AMAZING responses.
As for the "read before you ask mentality," I completely agree. I have stopped asking as many questions now because I found most of the same information in the Reefkeeping magazine.
I think the reason some questions get asked over and over is because 1) Sometimes the search option doesn't work too well or it gives you alot of matches as some already stated.
2) Some posts of thousands of replies and have been split multiple times. For this reason, it's sometimes very tedious and frustrating to go through pages and pages of posts.

Just my opinion on this thread.

[backlash]

Honestly, if the forum had a normal search function that worked, repeated questions and wasted bandwidth could be avoided. If it took only allowing "supporters" being able to post, I believe it would be worth it if it meant a working search function that would be less cluttered. jmnsho

[Macimage]

Some posts of thousands of replies and have been split multiple times. For this reason, it's sometimes very tedious and frustrating to go through pages and pages of posts.

Yes, but the point is that all the information is here on RC.

I have spent hours reading one thread with many splits and at times, it seems like being in school and it really is tedious. However, it is the best way to learn about something and many new posters don't want to read 100 pages of the t5 thread and want another poster to post the cliff notes version. My advise is to read all you can on a subject (it may take several days!) and then if you have a follow up question, post it.

Lastly, RC only costs $2/month to access the search function. Whenever I see a poster that says they need to ask a question because they can't get the search button to work I never reply, as I figure if they are too cheap to spend $2 on getting the info, I am certainly not going to spend my time (time is $$) answering.

Joyce