"just Search It" Replies

[Preytorien]

The search tool is great, and really knocks down the sheer massive volume of topics to wade through to find an answer. I've more than once found it to be generally helpful.

 

But lately I see people replying to posts and saying "just search it."

 

Not to cause problems, but that's a pretty useless reply.

 

I have done these searches people talk about, and the bigger this wonderful site gets, the more its like looking for a needle in a haystack when you do a forum search. Sometimes the searches result in exactly what you're looking for, but many times, especially for broad topics, you'll still have to wade through massive amounts of information hoping one topic will contain the information you're looking for.

 

Consider the fact that at the time I type this there are 22,532 topics, with 234,135 replies in the "Rods, Reels, Line and Knots" category alone. Typing in "Braid Line" results in 14 pages of topics with enormous numbers of replies. Some of those conversations have over 100 replies. That starts putting your percentage of finding the answer to your specific question about Braid Line below 1% when you "just search it."

 

So you can see where "just searching" becomes a whole lot more time consuming and far less accurate than just typing in a question and getting answers. Besides, I never have a probem with re-answering questions here, that's what the forum is for.

 

Google is for searching....

[J Francho]

 

But lately I see people replying to posts and saying "just search it."

 

Not to cause problems, but that's a pretty useless reply.

 

I pretty much agree.  The forum works best via post traffic.  If there is basic info out there, link to it.  If it's a really good thread, we'll add it to the "Best Of..." sticky (http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/60793-best-of-bassresourcecom/).

 

Unless we're talking very basic stuff that can be found in the stickies or FAQ, "do a search" is a lame answer.

[slainempire]

yeah and if you use search and post in a old thread that fits your topic people get mad about bumping up the old thread.  i just take it with a grain of salt.  people get too bent out of shape over the small stuff.  its like that in all forums ive ever seen.

[CKFishin]

I agree and disagree to me its being lazy to not search I mean literally Half the time I see duplicates its on the same page in the section already. otherwise I just leave it be... I search here, Google, and then if all else fails I might make a post or PM someone. Obviously I make the search posts lol... I just think its dumb to have a different this vs this. What would you do when its 67 degrees and sunny, what would you do when its 66.8 degrees and sunny. It just seems like clutter to me. 

[J Francho]

Those threads have a very short shelf life.  I don't worry about it too much.

[Bluebasser86]

I think a lot of time you get those replies on topics that are posted frequently. It seems like every week there's a new "what 1 bait/rod/reel/line would you choose if you can only have one" or "what's your PB". While I don't like the "do a search response, there's lots of times I'll find those most recent threads and post links to them. 

[CKFishin]

I think a lot of time you get those replies on topics that are posted frequently. It seems like every week there's a new "what 1 bait/rod/reel/line would you choose if you can only have one" or "what's your PB". While I don't like the "do a search response, there's lots of times I'll find those most recent threads and post links to them. 

[Deleted account]

I think this topic has been covered before, why don't you...

[deaknh03]

I agree, I think it's rude to spend the time to reply and say "search for it". I read a lot of the topics in just about every sub forum, and if it's a repeat, I skip over it, or sometimes I add something that's not been posted yet, after all, it was brought up because someone wanted to know something. The mods here are pretty thorough, you see them comment everywhere, so if they think it's a repetitive topic, they will take care of it, and they do. Same goes for posting about rules, like bumping in the flea market section. Let the mods take care of it, they see what's going on. If you feel the need to police the site, ask Glen about becoming a mod, or pm a mod and let them know what your concern is, but leave the policing to the mods, they do it well.

[A-Jay]

I find this topic interesting.   Right off, I'll admit to being one of "Those members" who has advised other members to conduct a search.  Looking back - I guess that's not the best example of what makes this site great.

 

I think there are a couple of factors at work here; and it seems like one side is fueling the other.

 From the newer members point of view;

  Without any history here behind them and perhaps being new to the sport, a newer member may have no idea how many "How do I cast" or "what's the best leader knot" questions are routinely posted here.  Though very legitimate questions than need to and should be answered, the sheer number of them often times elicits the go search it response.

 Additionally, being a newer member, one may not be very well versed in the nuances' of the rather extensive BR search engine, which further exasperates the problem.

 

From the veteran BR  member point of view;

When new members post up very basic and often seen threads, and the veteran members all know what they are, there is a decent chance that a good majority has responded to at least one of these. Probably more than once.  And when there are 2 or 3 of the same thing up on the same page at the same time - this seems to trigger a  quick  "Go Fish (search)" reply.  Doesn't make it right and as stated previously, serves no purpose. 

 

 I've only been a member here for a comparatively short time when compared to many members.

The main reason I enjoy coming revolves around the "Friendly Tone" the BR forum exudes.

 

"Go Search" replies do not contribute to this.  As a result, I will be working harder at being part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

[J Francho]

Another point.... Topics are sorted by most recent post.  A direct answer to a simple question often ends the thread.  "Use the search," functionally is just a bump.  If you don't like the repetitive simple question threads, then why bump it up?

[B@ssCrzy]

I would agree for the most part. It can become a little cluttered when someone posts a new question and just three lines down is the same question, but that is pretty rare and I just skip over them.  On the other hand part of the fun for me is the conversation that occurs by answering questions and talking with other people.  There is value to talking with people other than just getting information from them, and that is the big reason I love bassresource.  I have very few knowledgeable bass fisherman that live around me so the only time I really talk about bass fishing is when I am on here posting/replying.  Talking about lines, lures, structure, habitat, etc is great!!  Even if I have talked or read about it a 100 times before.  It seems that there are a lot of great people on this forum that are not only great fisherman/woman, but are also great people.  So for me it is good to rub elbows with them even if it is in the virtual world. 

[Catt]

Do y'all know how many times we discuss the same subject we duscussed last week?

Some times people don't search at all & I know this because I'll search & find it easily.

While we at it I can stand people who quote an entire post thats a page long just to quote a sentence.

[CKFishin]

I guess I'm just getting crabby in my late 20's lol. This site has so much knowledge and information. Between the articles and the forums so much in covered It just irks me because I see so much where kids don't want to work for an answer or haven't even looked to find an answer just want someone to hand it to them. I get asking helps build opinions and conversations but at what point is it just enabling?

[J Francho]

Spoon feed me!

 

[Glenn]

A couple things worth noting about the search feature:

 

- The search box at the top does a broad match across all the forums, and only for topics that are less than two years old.

 

- For a more comprehensive search, click the little gear icon next to the search box, that will take you to this page: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/index.php?app=core&module=search&search_in=forums where you'll have many more search options to narrow down your search.

 

Hope that helps!

[CKFishin]

Awesome info thanks Glenn

[slonezp]

IMO The search function is good for 2 reasons. Looking up old threads I know I created or was a part of, to refresh my memory. It's also a good tool to look up those commonly covered subjects. BR any every other board has tremendous turnover in members. Guys who post a handful of times and disappear, or post for a few months or few years and disappear. These "missing persons" may have contributed something good during their stay, but are no longer available for comment. Guys like Catt and a few others who went on hiatus or Fish Chris and way2slow who only pop their heads in here once in awhile, have contributed a ton of useable information that may only be available thru using the search function. So, I say to the OP What you may see as a cop out, I see it as an opportunity. When I tell someone to "search it", it's out of love

[tomustang]

I don't mind repeat threads, I just think its silly when someone posts a topic without looking for the same thread on the first page. And... And it's a few down from the top.

[WRB]

I don't use the search tool on this site because it doesn't narrow the search field down. Now that Glenn suggested using the gear, that will narrow down the search field and helps. Knowing how to navigate the site may seem simple to folks that are computer savvy, for those of use who aren't, it's hasn't been easy.

For example the current thread about thermoclines, how many times has that topic been discussed? Lots of times! I decided to go ahead and posted a few replies and it was interesting to see some very good input from newer members, the old timers mostly sit back and don't feel like repeating themselves again and again.

Tom

[Darren.]

I have always tried to be friendly in suggesting a search, while in the same reply offering an answer/opinion to the topic at hand.

 

I've found the search function invaluable, while at the same time, not always bullet-proof helpful.

 

Early on (and sometimes even now), I was a little trepidatious to ask certain questions because there's always "that guy" who will make you feel like an idiot because you didn't look before you leapt.

 

Now I pretty much ignore that sort of response.

[pbrussell]

I've got a great idea. Let's just keep everything about fishing a secret. Then we'll never answer questions. Or ask them.

We can all go back to reading magazines, because we all know how great most of those publications are.

[BassinLou]

Here's something funny in regards to this thread. If you decide to google a topic more times than not, google will direct you to a thread on BR regarding the topic. LOL. 

[Darren.]

Here's something funny in regards to this thread. If you decide to google a topic more times than not, google will direct you to a thread on BR regarding the topic. LOL. 

[J Francho]

My favorite topic are the ones that come up 14 seconds after a new product is released, asking for reviews, lol.