Guys and Gals, I must say that I personally do agree with the "do a search" mentality. FT is a community but it is also a collection of knowledge and information - and to this end - duplicate/ repetitive posts regarding the same topic serve to scatter the valuable information we have.

Likewise, puddy made an excellent point: if you tell someone to do a search, offer some recommendations. For the simply everyday questions there are often simple every day answers that have already been posted. If the experienced users help out the new ones with a than not only can we a) cut down on duplicate threads b) instruct new members on how to best query the collective FT knowledge c) help establish the precedent of searching before posting.

I don't think berating one to use the search feature is helpful or productive; after all, if the poster new about the search feature, than s/he probably would not have posted an ad-nausem question in the first place.

I guess what I'm trying to say is encourage people to search, but do so in a constructive way.

Anyway, I just want to let y'all know that I've had a blast on FT, I have enjoyed meeting you and am looking forward to many more rewarding years. ^

Safe Travels