Does referring to previous threads hinder new thoughts?
 

Hmm...I just had a thought. Often, when new people ask a question, or pose a thought here, they write about something that's been discussed before. In fact, the older the board gets, and the more that's been discussed, the harder it is to come up with new things to talk about. Until just a moment ago (when I had a random thought pop into my mind regarding this) I thought, "well, it only makes sense to refer someone to the old thread. No use re-hashing this AGAIN."

But then I thought, "Hmmm...there are new people on this board all the time. Maybe that kind of simple "paste the URL" referral kills the new thread, and thus, kills new thoughts?"

Clearly, referring people to the old thread makes sense, as there is a wealth of instant info available. Clearly as well, there's no point in re-writing what's already been written...

I don't have the answer...maybe there isn't one...but is there a way that we all can phrase things so that it encourages new discussion on the new thread, while still letting people know that there's information elsewhere?

Like I said...I don't have the answer...maybe there's no good one. But what it seems like right now is that we are all like publishers, evaluating new authors...and the authors are coming to us saying, "I'd like to write a book about the Second World War." and we say, "Well, there was a book written about the Second World War once before. Go read that. That one's enough."

Clearly it's not that simple...but I think it's worth thinking about how we can encourage NEW thoughts...and whether we're stifling new discussion.

Just my humble thoughts...

Why not simply append your thoughts to the existing thread?

LOL, good naturedly so! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Interesting question, BTW, aflyer! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

As time passes this gets to be more a a problem as you allude to. No easy answers/solution but it is VERY tough to follow and check back to several different related threads! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

Thanks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by doc (edited 10-16-2000).]

PG--

I thought about that...and clearly, that would seem, on the surface, to be a simple answer.

However, often times I don't re-read a thread that I've read a number of times before...simple because once a thread get several pages, it takes too long to download the page that I want (still wishing for the cable modem.)

I will read a new thread, hoping that something new is suggested...whereas the old threads seem, at some point, like they should be retired to an archive.

On behalf of the memory challenged - I will add that it just isn't newbies! I admit I don't check to see if things have been posted before on every question or idea I have - it would simply take too long. Sometimes I just forget that it was raised in the past few months - usually because it didn't have meaning to me then, but does now. On issues I'm certain somebody MUST have talked about before, I take the trouble to look. Sometimes, I'm aware of old threads and want to see if there is anything new to add.. I should be more clear when this is the case.

It doesn't bother me now when I get a link - it's the information I'm after. But I will admit that when I was first participating here, to get a link and nothing else seemed a bit like getting rebuffed.

So I would come down on the side of effort when a new participant asks a question about an old subject - maybe a few encouraging words to go along with the link? Or just a "let us know if this doesn't answer your question" ?

I know I started the thread, but I have to say that I agree with a part of your post, which i didn't mention...

Sometimes it seems that people have gotten a little too caught up in who's NEW and who's BEEN AROUND. We are, clearly, all people that CARE about STATUS. However, I think that sometimes this comes across as a little bit snobby. (BY NO MEANS READ THIS TO SAY THAT EVERYONE DOES THIS...IT'S NOT UNIVERSAL.)

Sometimes the posts to people who ask a simple question are quite SNIPPY...read it this way: "It's been talked about before you newbie. If you had been AROUND here long enough, like ME and the REST OF US, you'd know. You'll learn, but for now don't take up our bandwidth with your simplicity. Go to the old thread and get out of our hair."

I know I'm probably being somewhat overly critical. I LOVE flyertalk. MOST people here are VERY helpful and VERY kind...in fact, if you've seen another of my posts recently, you know that I see many of the OLDEST of the OLD-TIMERS as the KINDEST and most POLITE of them all...

I'm just thinking that we can make that extra step as a community to make newcomers feel even more welcome.

aflyer..

Interesting question..
But this topic has already been discussed:

Plz see:
http://www.j/k.com

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

This thread makes me feel a bit better. As a relative newcomer, I started a thread or 2 that was previously discussed (and I apologize) but often times it is helpful to restart a topic especially as rules change.

What I like about pointing someone (newcomer or old timer alike...I make no differentiation) is that it:

1. Sometimes gives the answer.
2. Sometimes shows how an issue evolved.
3. Trys to keep the related subject in one thread, which makes it easier when doing searches and when refering same questions to old threads again in the future.
4. Allows those that have already expressed a viewpoint or answer to not have to take the time to type the thing over again in a new thread.

All of the above in no way hinders the ablility to re-visit a topic and start discussion again. The person can just go to that old thread and post their opinion or question in order to "bring it up" to the top again.

I don't consider posting a previous thread as in any way rude or hindering new thoughts. It's, IMHO, just a rather nice thing to take the time to do for others, especially if they were unsuccesful at a search.

I especially admire MrLimo's dedication and community spirit in this regard.


[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 10-16-2000).]

Very well put, PremEx! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Mr LIMO sets such a fine example! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Makes no diff to me, I'd love to hear your thoughts whether on a new or old thread.

Everything's been discussed before

There is nothing new under the sun

Alls well that ends well

Thanks for asking and making this a great thread about threads.

In alphabetical order -- doc and PremEx, your checks are in the mail. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them.

SOme of the old threads are chock full of information that if you are new to the Frequent Flyer game or need a re-fresher can help you better understand an issue.

Maybe a link would work best.

If i can remember a particular old thread I'll post the link (if others don't beat me to it.)

And personally, I love nostalga and it's fun to find some classic and very OMNI threads on here. Yes it may be ancient history to some but these threads bring back a smile to my face.

How would you feel if, when bringing up a conversation topic over lunch with friends, you repeatedly heard: "oh, don't you remember? we talked about that last year." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

In general, it can be very helpful to be pointed out where additional insight can be gained from an earlier thread. But it is probably a rare occurance for an earlier discussion to completely resolve, sign, seal, deliver and close a subject.

So, the next time someone asks: "which frequent flyer program is the best?" or, "should I collect points or miles?" don't be offended. If you don't want to go down that path again, then just don't reply to the message! Just smile and consider how fortunate you are that you have resolved one of the great questions of the ages to your own satisfaction, and go on to the next message.

I prefer a personal answer, and try to give them to others.

But there is alot to be said for links, as there can be a wealth of information given to someone very easily and quickly.

I think maybe the best thing to do when a subject has already been discussed to death is to give a short personal answer and then say "for more information..." and give the link.

[This message has been edited by Mikey (edited 10-17-2000).]

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. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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..

The search function whilst a bit slow, does seem to work IF you know what Forum to look in, and to use the key words that answer your query.

I yesterday needed to find a thread from a few months back where someone had mentioned Falkland Islands, and inward flight details, as I want to go there for Christmas. Vaguely remembering it was in General Travel Talk was the key - otherwise search could have taken an hour.

The ones who generally of course do NOT know how the SEARCH function here works are the newcomers to the board.

I guess we often see on the Starwood board a question like "can I check out late" or on UA/AA/Delta etc "is there any trick to upgrading" or whatever. Doing a searh for "check out" or "upgrade" in message body in either forum will bring 1000 thread matches I suspect, most having no bearing on the question. To search in headings only often is not the way to get the answer as we all know.

So to Doc and MrLimo et al, helping other new visitors with applicable links is a great service IMHO. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-17-2000).]

I think that references to old threads are very helpful, and especially admire the patience and hard work of doc and MrLimo for finding so many of them for so many people. The flipside of NOT posting the earlier thread is that the new inquirer may otherwise not get the benefit of some of the wisdom, tips, tricks and good advice that some of us here have to offer. Quite frankly, I don't always time to post to all the threads I might have useful information on. When making these decisions as to whether to add some information or not, one of the things that goes through my mind is "didn't I already post this advice/tip/trick/recommendation on some earlier thread?" If I have already posted it somewhere, I am less inclined to spend my valuable time to repeat it (although I frequently do), since I know that someone with diligence could find the earlier thread if, for example, they want to find out all the prior references to the May Fair Intercontinental in London, one of my favorite hotels.

Glen's comments, however, raise another VERY GOOD REASON for people to please try to post in the appropriate forum. It makes it SO MUCH EASIER for people to find information that they are looking for in search if they go to the forum where the information should be, and it is actually there.

Djlawman