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!

Interesting question, BTW, aflyer!

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!

Thanks!



[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

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!

Mr LIMO sets such a fine example!

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. 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."

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.