Display options and repeat of posts

[HOTFIRE]

I think a big reason for repeats of topics is because of the display options. It automatically displays posts in the last 45 days. I didn't realize how many posts there actually were until i set it to the beginning. Maybe the new members only see those posts and make the mistake of repeating the ones that they can't see. I may be wrong but this could be part of the problem. some possible solutions might be to send messages to everyone to make them aware or switch the default display options to the beginning or a longer period of time.

[dancingdoc2]

You have a good point. Maybe one of the moderators will see this and comment.

> Maybe the new members only see those posts and make the mistake of repeating the ones that they can't see.

I believe most of us senior members are of the opinion that when new(er) people post they do not spend a few minutes searching the forums for answers to their questions, and, plunge right in asking the question, yet again. This is why there are threads in the Posting Guidelines at the top of the main page.

People nowadays tend to have a very short attention span, maybe the result of watching news programs in which topics are encapsulated into short clips. Devoting the time to read a newspaper or a book (or one of my lengthy posts on the forum for example) turn a lot of people off. We wonder how a person can acquire the knowledge they seek if they are unwilling to spend some time doing it! Shucks, this is proven almost on a daily basis when it is obvious that some new members have not looked at the top of their main page and read the forums that are titled: Posting Guidelines and Index of Board Topics (Begin Here...).

It's almost like these people have gotten their long awaited ticket to the Board and they rush to jump on the moving "bandwagon" without first looking both ways and then looking to see whose already on it as they climb on. Once on and as they are settling in, they want to be a part of the group and begin playing yet do not ask if this or that song was performed before they got on the ride.

I sort of doubt that anybody but senior members will read this thread. The people who should won't even notice it. I don't know how to change or modify this latest wrinkle in human behavior.

[moderatorII]

I see where you are coming from Hotfire, but I think Doc's answer pretty well covers it.

This is a problem common to all Boards everywhere. Most of the "newbies" that post repetitive threads are too impatient (or just can't be bothered) to look around. Or maybe (if they are new to Boards in general) it is just the thrill of putting their own "unique" problem in the stage spotlight.

However, your comments are appreciated and we will keep them in mind as we (all) continue to struggle with this problem.