using the search function in pixelpost forum

[-okapi-]

as a reply to questions posted in forums it's oftenly said, that one should make use of the search function of the forum (this is the same with other forums), and i absolutely agree with this - in most cases.
in most cases, but not in all.
sometimes it is very hard to find the right keywords for complex or uncommon problems, particularly for new members or guests, because they don't know that the subject has been disussed before, and, above all, in what context and how the posting has been formulated. longtime members may remember the words of the header or the text of a specific topic, but a new user can't. sometimes it can be very hard - and effortless - to do a search.

for me, an example for this is this (locked) thread:

http://pixelpost.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=998

an interesting question has been posted here by a new user. yes, he could have done a seach. right, but - i wonder myself, with what keywords actually he should have done this in this case??

no criticism, i just wanted to remark, that sometimes it can be really hard to find the right words to to a search.

[Joe[y]+]

i think in some cases. especially mine as you have shown - it is more a case of laziness on my part not wanting to search myself to find the link! which is very hypocritical so I don't say that too often - but I believe that topic had come up 2 or 3 times before so a search should have found it ok.

but i agree with you nonetheless.

[Anonymous]

as i am interested in this subject too... i'm still wondering myself and i still can't figure out what keywords would lead me to the related postings.

how would you do a search?

thanks for your reply!

[raminia+]

tips:
- use the error pormpts as keywords. (if you face one!)
- use pixelpost main options as keywords plus some related word. e.g. search comments plus problem when you have problem with email notifications. then use your browser to search inside the search results. I personally use this very much.

[blinking8s+]

I do think you should search first, some are not as search savvy as others...and will ask a question, the question might be one answered, simply direct them to the answer...locking a thread right away may be extreme even if its a solved solution...you might have misunderdstood or they might have a follow up questions...in which case they would have to make a new post, complicating the search results if searched for a similar answer

also, as a community leader, its our job to direct the user, who more than common doesnt want to go hunting for an answer, most of know pixelpost.org's forum inside out...and the 10 seconds of effort it takes to say, "here is the link to the solution, please use the search feature next time" is our duty, its what makes a solid community foundation...the people in charge, not the user.

[Joe[y]+]

i'll make that my new new year's resolution!

well said Blinking!