MarkEagleUSA
ArboristSite Guru
IMHO if you don't feel like responding to something you feel is mundane and can easily be found by searching, simply don't reply at all. It's the "use the search function" replies that cause the most friction.Check out the first 3 pages of the Chainsaw Forum.........how many do you feel like responding to? Same thing over and over again, gets very mundane, let alone the completely useless posts. The influx of new members is good, but perhaps its time to reply to every new post with "use the search function" again................that thing working yet?
I've been involved with several forums as user, moderator, and admin. The single biggest issue is existing members getting all twisted up by repetitive newbie questions. It's the nature of the internet: lot's of useful and valuable information but not always easy to find. Many times, newbies want instant gratification and immediate answers. There are 2 choices for existing members: 1) reply even if it's the millionth time you've done so, or 2) ignore the post/thread and move on.
This is especially true of people who don't really know anything about the subject an are venturing in for the first time. Many times it's easier to ask yet another question and wait for a reply than it is to sift through hundreds of threads containing thousands of posts. How is one supposed to disseminate information on a subject they know nothing or little about?
The UTSF replies are jut as bothersome and mundane as the original posts are.
Again, this is just my opinion and the way I look at forum participation. Your mileage may vary.