Required reading before registration is final??

[neil0502]

Newbies get smacked down, softly, from time to time for starting threads about [insert topic that has been repeatedly beaten to death here].

The "kind" advice is always, "Search the forum."

Does anything in the registration process help a brand new member to understand how the Search functions work, and suggest to them that, perhaps, a preliminary search would be a good first step?

I don't think that thousandth chain lube thread does the frequent contributors, *or* the newbies that start them any good. Risks scaring off the newbies from further participation, too, if they don't like the answers they've been given.

I'm thinking some additional information on "searching first" might help this....

Just my $0.02

[operator]

What is there to understand about the serach function though? It functions the same was as google. Type in what you want to search and hit enter.

[skanking biker]

I myself made this mistake. This was my first forum and I was unaware of the search function.

I also suggested earlier that there be a specific forum for newbies. This would be beneficial for a number of reasons: 1) newbies would always check this forum first; 2) it could sevre as a clearing house for all reoccuring newbie questions or at least provide links to threads w/ commongly asked question; 3) those more seasoned members who like helping new people out would be able to assist them; 4) those who get annoyed at repeated newbiew questions would no longer be bothered with them.

[randya]

I just ignore the repeat newbie questions anymore. After the second or third time, I'm no longer interested in telling someone else what kind of mirror I use...

[LordOpie]

I think the veterans need to understand one very simple important fact... for every newbie asking the same question for the 1000th time, there are five slightly less newbies anxious to contribute and answer said question.

I pretty much only answer a post when it sits for a day with no response.

[77Univega]

- - I have taken upon myself to say something like:

"Your question about reflectors is very appropriate, if you Search The Forums, you will find a lot more."

[Rowan]

Debate about any topic is fine. Starting a new thread, as Lord Opie says, brings forth a whole new, fresh discussion that might just yield up a kernel of an idea. If you don't feel like contributing, don't. Move on. Same crash scene, different victims.

Having said that, there are many newbies who arrive here from a google search, want an answer to only one question then disappear again. Then there are the ones who are complete imbeciles and need to be ushered (or bounced) out pronto.

For those who want to become serious members, the best method is to lurk for a month or two. Get a feel for what goes on and why, who the "identities" are and why, where they bottom feed and surface for air, and what topics are passe and what are enlightening.

THEN hit the subscribe button... if you think you can handle some of the things that might come your way.

Worked for me. Or not, as some may think. :D

[neil0502]

After further thought . . .

How about a sticky on Road Cycling, Bicycle Mechanics, (and ??) titled "Chain Cleaning and Lubrication."

I don't mind that the debate lingers on. I pray to my own particular chain care gods, as do most people.

Eventually, something new (and helpful??) could be added. It is a topic that comes up time and again, though. Is that the philosophy behind stickies?