As I mentioned earlier, I don't think the real issue is whether or not to tell new FTers about searching to find answers. What causes the problems is HOW they are told that. If it is in a condescending or sarcasting reply, then the new poster will probably be put off and get definsive at best, or possibly never post again, or even worse, they may try to "flame" back at whom every replied to them.

I've told many new posters to search for answers, and so far as I know, I don't remember any one of them coming back and firing off "nasty" replies because of it. Yet others state that anytime they recommend a user to search for an answer they get lambasted by everyone. Why the difference? How the reply was worded perhaps?

Here is an excerpt I use when I teach new trainers on how to teach that may be of interest "Researches in communication suggest that many more feelings and intentions are sent and received nonverbally than verbally. Mehrabian and Wienerfollowing suggested that only 7% of message is sent through words, with remaining 93% sent nonverbal expressions (depending on author, verbal part goes up to 35%)." And in "Newsgroup" communications we have very little in the way of nonverbal communication (emoticons is one tool to help with that.) So our posts are very easily misunderstood even by those we know and communicate with on a regular basis, much less someone new.

So if we, the "veterans" can take a little extra time and craft our replies thinking about how a "newbie" might interpret the message, we can convey the same information we want (i.e. do a search, look here, etc.), and not have to worry about being attacked as much either by the new FTer or by someone else. Yes, that means we take a few extra moments to before we post. Is that really that onerous a few moments when the benefit is it might really help someone learn and grow in the FT community? Or as was also mentioned, if one really feels that it is demeaning and a waste of time to do that, then just don't post.