aflyer: If you use the "search" function to look for previous threads on this topic, you will find the answer to your question. Consult the oracle for new thoughts.

Seriously though, I think there's nothing wrong with posting a link to previous threads when people ask about something that was recently discussed. It's the manner in which people reply to the question which matters. Terse replies consisting of just a link and nothing else, or messages of "use the search function, we already talked about this one" do not make new members feel welcome. Somehow, such responses seem rude.

Topics will always be revisited and old discussions restarted on FT, because of two main reasons. First, there are always new people joining this community who are just starting to learn about the FF game and/or familiarising themselves with this bulletin board. (A sound reason for the "New Member"/ "Member" and "Total posts" bylines.) Second, because things are continually changing, there will always be a need for timely discussion (e.g. "the latest FF buzz") on current topics, so new threads and discussions are needed and will contain more up-to-date information than previous threads on the same or similar topics.

So how about not just saying "this has been discussed before", but also adding "Here's a link/some links to previous discussions. Hope this info helps, but feel free to post any follow up questions here." Not only is a link provided to previous relevant material, but also new discussion can be encouraged in this new thread.

FewMiles..