Why Don't People Search The Forum Archives?


What CD player has a volume Control? Newbee in the world of analog? What are the best cables for the money?

Sound Familiar?

I spent some time searching the forum archives, and was amazed at the wealth of information contained within. Often, many individuals have and post legitimate questions. Although, these questions (in many cases) have been answered time and time again in the forum archives.

Unfortunately, due to the redundancy of these questions, many of the well established Audiogoner's will no longer respond to these redundant/repeat questions. This may leave the individual asking the question feeling somewhat neglected, not realizing that their question has been answered and/or discussed many times previous.

I also find it interesting, that Audiogon management explicitly states in the "What We Will Decline" section of "Moderation Guidlines", that questions of repetitional nature will be filtered and declined.

http://forum.audiogon.com/fr/moderated_guide.html

The forum archives are a tremendous resource of information. Is there a manner in which individuals posting in the forum could be directed to the forum archives BEFORE posting their particular question? I mention this because the individual posting, may find more complete coverage of their particular question already exists, yielding them much more thorough results/information. Could the Audiogon moderators utilize "keywords" of a newly asked question in order to refer to the archives before that particular question is actually posted?

Would this be considered or construed as unreasonable?

Could this be considered "overmoderated"?

Any suggestions/input?
128x128buscis2
I've been posting here since 1999. Most of these questions have been answered several times since then.

Like Google, the person looking for information needs to think about how to search. If you want members experience with "Audio Research preamps," put the data in exactly, rather than just the word "preamp."

For ideas on how to improve your electrical, search the dozens of "Dedicated lines" posts. We have certified electricians who have answered specific questions on this subject. Where else can you get accurate FREE information such as that?

Same for NOS tubes. Put in the words New Old Stock , or NOS rather than the word "tube." There is data on almost every tube type, with many posts delving into performance differences between specific pieces of high end audio.

Perhaps this is overly simplistic for those of us that understand how Audiogon works, but as this thread has accurately pointed out, there is a wealth of information here if one takes the time to look.
Because they want to participate in an exchange with other members? If this forum is to continue, the questions of beginners should be answered if only as a form of welcome. IMHO efficiency is not necessarily the point.
Most other sites have gone to the sticky for questions that get beat to death. I'm not sure there is another way to deal with this problem. Maybe if the search feature were to be moved to the NEW QUESTIONS page also?

Dave
I agree and I always search the forums, but also as Pbb points out, beginners should still be made to feel welcome...maybe an "in a nutshell reply" and then point them into the direction of searching the forums correctly as Albertporter suggested as they may not be as good at finding posts on a particular piece of equipment.

One other thing I have noticed, is that even with the same question asked in some cases, the answers will potentially be completely different...people may have found a new cable/amp/preamp etc that is "all the rage these days"

just my 2c