Before posting - search the site

[Magnus]

A common mistake for new users on this site is to ask questions that could easily be answered by a quick search. On the Search page I've added a simple Google-powered search functionality. That should be your first port of all when you have a question. Once you've tried the search options, then post your question in a new thread.

[demera]

A common mistake for new users on this site is to ask questions that could easily be answered by a quick search. On the Search page I've added a simple Google-powered search functionality. That should be your first port of all when you have a question. Once you've tried the search options, then post your question in a new thread.

Agree... But sometimes we skip it to save time lool.

[Magnus]

Agree... But sometimes we skip it to save time lool.

Indeed, but that's one of the best ways of annoying other users

[bushako]

actually your wasting more time waiting for a reply from someone rather then just taking 5 minutes of your time and search for the solutions either on google or on these threads.

But i think of the main cause is because some people would prefer to let others do all the searching for them.

It should be acceptable to post a new thread if you tried and weren't able to find the right solutions.

[CapsLock]

One turn-off from the search is that we are required to enter an Image Verification code before we can run the query. A lot of other very popular forums, with a huge global community do not implement this feature... was this board targeted with a DOS attack before?

[gierran]

Actually, Capslock is right.

1. The search field at the top of the page could be more visible.
2. If you type something in to it and click the search button, instead of getting a page of search results, you get an advanced search form, and have to fill out your search again, and then fill in the captcha. If you are logged in you should not need to do this.

[Magnus]

One turn-off from the search is that we are required to enter an Image Verification code before we can run the query. A lot of other very popular forums, with a huge global community do not implement this feature... was this board targeted with a DOS attack before?

No DOS attach that I know of but plenty of spamming, like the one that I think set off your post in this thread (now deleted)

Daddybird, you feel like looking into this?

[michl]

The problem is that CAPTCHA's are really meant to stop automated processing e.g. such as from spider robots or spamming software. By definition, humans will all pass through, including spammers and trolls.

Yes, because they are annoying, CAPTCHA's will reduce the number of spammers and trolls. But then for the same reason they also limit legitimate use! Which is why you get a lot of people directly posting their questions instead of searching first...

[Magnus]

The problem is that CAPTCHA's are really meant to stop automated processing e.g. such as from spider robots or spamming software. By definition, humans will all pass through, including spammers and trolls.

Yes, because they are annoying, CAPTCHA's will reduce the number of spammers and trolls. But then for the same reason they also limit legitimate use! Which is why you get a lot of people directly posting their questions instead of searching first...

I don't disagree with you. The problem has been lack of time. Let's leave it to Daddybird to look in to as he's now taking care of the site.

[michl]

Oh yeah, it's a trade-off, basically, and I think it's a good one.
The forums are pretty much troll-free as it is, and that's great.
So personally I'd rather key in a CAPTCHA and keep it that way.