When I first got acquainted with this site, like others, i was not familiar with the search function. I asked a few questions that had previously been answered quite extensively. Now if I have a question I go to the search function first which usually answers my question without further action needed. If I want clarification or further information I will go with a new post.
Seems like a lot of common questions regarding such things as use of foam, plaster cloth, ballasting, grades and others get rehashed quite frequently. While I suppose this does no harm I'm wondering why more folks don't use the search function first. Is it that they don't know how to use it, can't find it, just want to see their name on a post or ???
Some users are clueless about searching or want others to do the work for them. I belong to over 20 forums and see this a lot.
Kind of like taking a trip without looking at a road map first or today, not using a Map search.
With the power we have in our PC's, there is no good reason why some searching cannot be done first.
Yes, a little Patience may be required.
You can obtain many good links for future reference by searching.
Maybe some require hand holding. Who knows.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I think like you, many are not aware or are not sure how to use the search function. I know I wasn't.
The other problem with using a search function anywhere is the mass of answers you may get. I tend to be overwhelmed, though not so much here as on google. Being more specific can help, if one only knows how to search more specifically on a site.
Yes, sometimes there are similar questions asked fairly frequently, but if we all went to the archives, we wouldn't get to know some of the new folks as well. Besides, the same question, asked slightly differently can stimulate some different answers.
Have fun,
Richard
I just searched for 'acquainted' ( in the OP's first sentance ) with no results. From what I have found, the search function is pretty lame. You can not add additional words you wish; i.e. acquainted +rehashed to qualify searches. At least eBay lets you include or reject stuff - say I am looking for a Bigboy or Challenger NOT UP or made by Rivarossi - so in the search: rivarossi +(bigboy, challenger) -union. Pretty simple for the end user. Writing the code on the other hand gets hairy!
ctclibby
Todd Hackett
Libby, Montana 59923
I take only pictures then leave footprints on railroad property that I know is not mine, although I treat it as such...
I don't have a problem with people not using the search function -- although that's a great way to get the answer to your question.
My only pet peeve is when there is a similar thread with an obvious title on the first page of posts, indicating that the user couldn't be bothered to even scan the posts first.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
cowman Yes, sometimes there are similar questions asked fairly frequently, but if we all went to the archives, we wouldn't get to know some of the new folks as well. Besides, the same question, asked slightly differently can stimulate some different answers.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Searches are great if they work.
The search function on this site is just plain awful and makes it extremely difficult to narrow a search down.
Many long almost useless chat posts (like "coffee pot" type posts) really distort search results on this site. And trying to remove certain words , like "coffee pot" does not always work.
Sometimes I use the search, but most of the time I don't because it is so difficult to find what you are looking for.
Strangely a Google search seems to work better at finding a post you need on this site.
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
I like getting peoples fresh perspectives of what they are currently using. Some threads are on on topics ive looked up. I have also met a few nice people just by asking common questions.
I have to agree with Richard and Jeffery. This forum caters to several levels of modeling skills.
If you insist on getting your shorts in a knot because someone new has asked a question that has been answered a hundred times before then I would politely suggest that you do not understand the nature of these forums. These forums are one place where a newcomer to the hobby can be made to feel welcome, or if things go wrong, where they can be instantly turned off by someone's impatient response.
Like Bambie's mom said "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all". That quote comes from a man who was a great model railroader!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Just like any other site, the search function should be up front, center and at the top of the page here, NOT obscurely down on the botttom right side margin. {some may not even know there IS a right side margin if their window doesn't open wide}.
The other thing here is that the search our community can be useless, OR can give you litteral searches or threads- forexample- where the word "the" was posted if you asked for that word! I have typed in "key words' I used in a thread trying to find it again, and get all kinds of erronious threads coming up that happened to contain that word/words! And given up trying to find mine!
I actually enjoy reading the new threads as I never know what might come up anew. THe ones who don't want to read YET AGAIN the topic of "Ballasting" should just skip a thread posted as "how do I ballast" if they don't want to read about it again, unless they want to impart all their knowledge.
People, in general, unless a good teacher, have the way about them that makes them think others should automatically know what they know that is in their own heads, especially if they impart it once before. {like a parent thinking the KID should use the potty once trained or NOT wet the bed once scolded for it..It is what makes us human!!!
SO I try to be sensitve to the new person or just not bother posting. But I can be a stubborn old mule too!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Content indexing on a busy forum typically isn't continuous (slows thigns down too much) so it may take a cycle past the set index time (which, as not being privy to the configuration of this forum, I have no idea whaen that is) until a new post gets included int he search index.
As for the functionality, it's a matter of learning the syntax, all searches are different, as far as what the keywords are and what constitiutes an AND or an OR or an exact phrase (quotes or no quotes?). I did notice the button for Advanced Search which used to be below the search box is missing - Advanced Search always found me the results I was looking for, once I figuredout the proper syntax. The standard single box and search button is actually MORE complicated to narrow down the results. Again the mentality (on the developer's part) that more boxes = harder to use. NO. By breakign out the options it makes it more OBVIOUS how to restrict your query to a narrow focus. Having one box means the only way you'll ever get satisfacotry results is by knowing the query syntax and employign it in every query (unless you want to wade through lots of results or your keyword is relatively uncommon).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you use the search function over on the right, you will discover that this topic has been discussed many times. There was really no need to ask the question again.
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
It amazes me the folks that want to start an argument on a post when no controversy was intended. It was simply an honest question as to why more folks don't use the search engine. I have had little problem finding my answers using simple one or two word search terms. Apparently others have problems finding what they want answered and that is a legitimate criticism. Hopefully we all know now why the same topics keep showing up on the board.
I just try to answer a question if I can and then point out that a search function exists. There is no need to get testy with new members who are trying to learn something about model railroading----they also have to learn how to use this particular forum. Like others have mentioned, the search feature here could use some improvement, and there are times when a Google search is very useful in finding threads on this forum.
Wayne
Modeling HO Freelance Logging Railroad.
I am band new to this forum, I posted a question on the first day I enrolled, and received several really helpful replies and advice - so first thing I want to mention is that I think the subscribers to this forum have a tremendous breadth of experience and insights and can be truly helpful advisors, especially to newbies to model railroading like me - so thanks ahead of time for answering dumb questions I will likely post, secondly, on the search function, as new to this site and forum, I am not clear what / how the site can be searched - I found a search box - upper right, I enetered exactly the post title of the item I posted a few days ago and did not get back the thread to my post - so seems a bit odd, I did get back other links - but surprised I did not get my thread. Also - a bit confused on another related item, when I posted my question, there were multiple categories of topics I selected as part of the step to post my question, but there does not seem to be a similar search list to query. I am guessing that the categories you select when you post a question are used in indexing for subsequent searches - but if so, why wouldn't the site list those as options when you try to do a search? The options at the top of the forum page for filtering are date based, they do not include tiopics or categories, Guessing I am missing something, as I am brand new to this forum, and as someone mentioned previously in the thread, having questions answered repeatedly may be a bit frustrating for some, but it is a way to connect with new members, and the advice obtained by those looking (like me) is very helpfu, if anyone has tips on searching this site - would be greatful to receive, thanks
Depends on how one formulates their search as well. This site has a weird search function. I've searched this forum with search terms that should have brought me to threads that I needed but would instead would throw up threads that had nothing at all to do with the topic I was looking for.
I will answer a common question simply because it is better to do that than it is to beat the person about the head regarding use of search...besides...if everyone just said use the search function here you might as well lock the forum up. What would be the sense of having a forum then?
Expand the FAQ section and leave it at that...
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
sysout10 I am band new to this forum, .....secondly, on the search function, as new to this site and forum, I am not clear what / how the site can be searched - I found a search box - upper right, I enetered exactly the post title of the item I posted a few days ago and did not get back the thread to my post - so seems a bit odd, I did get back other links - but surprised I did not get my thread.
I am band new to this forum, .....secondly, on the search function, as new to this site and forum, I am not clear what / how the site can be searched - I found a search box - upper right, I enetered exactly the post title of the item I posted a few days ago and did not get back the thread to my post - so seems a bit odd, I did get back other links - but surprised I did not get my thread.
Try the "Search our Community" box down the right side BOTTOM of the page. There is also a pull down menu under the search box for selecting which forum/s you want to search. THat is where you will find thread searches.
that is where you might find your thread. Being as you are new, you could probably type in your screename and get results.
That is also where I above that I sometimes I could not find my own threads, too, so maybe you will have to search for your specific thread from the listing you get.
the top right search box is for other stuff on the site, not really for threads.
Good luck!
Enjoy your hobby!
I think it would be darn swell if the TWO search functions were next to each other and there was a VERY CLEAR explanation describing the two--ie: SEARCH FORUM and SEARCH KALMBACH COMPANY.
The arrangement now is quite confusing. This is demonstrated by the need for repeatedly explaining how to find the forum search.
Ed
As a professional researcher (and tech editor), it frustrates me that a lot of threads are not only repeats of basic information, but also information that a cursory internet search would find. Maybe because it comes so naturally to me, research doesn't seem hard at all.
I"m going to pick on a thread about stripping paint from locomotive shells. It seems like there is a print article on this every year so the info shouldn't be too hard to find. And there's no shortage of internet sources for this. A simple google search for "stripping paint from locomotive shells" found no less than six threads from this very site in the first 12 results. Including a thread from 11 days ago.
On the other hand, sometimes these threads can yield things that are new to a lot of people. For example, there's an active thread about turning passenger trains. I take that as pretty standard stuff. But inside I learned that the chairs in Amfleet coaches can be turned around. I had no idea.
The tech editor wants to complain about poorly phrased queries that don't exactly help the person looking for info.
The arrogant jerk in me wants to complain about people asking super-broad questions that are effectively unanswerable.
rrinkerAs for the functionality, it's a matter of learning the syntax ...
do these forums need something different/better than google's?
not sure how many people are aware of the "-" operator when using google to exclude matches
greg
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Really you don't need to use the site's search engine. "Search term" site:cs.trains.com in Google will yield better results. However, you can't cull it down to subforum level so you do have to sort through some noise. But less noise than the message board software generates.
I have been following this post since it's inception. As I read the replies over the past few days I think those that are bothered by repeat topics being posted should take the following into account; These forums are listed under "Community". This community reaches thousands and thousands of model railroaders, some who are brand new to the hobby (weren't we all once?). The new comers are excited at finding this community and are eager to join in. They believe that this community is based on fellowship and mutual aid. Any newcomer who posts a question should be treated with respect and have their questioned answered if possible. The poster can be directed to prior posts and the search function (It's not what you say but how you say it). What kind community are we where a new comer cannot be welcomed with open arms because he asked a question that was posted two weeks before he came along? If you know the post was repeated time and again you have the option not to read it. Some of us are not as computer or website savvy as some of the others and find researching the web a bit daunting.
I have a lot of respect for many of the people in this community. I have learned much from reading these forums. I hope we can keep this a friendly place where model railroaders of all skill levels can interact, learn from each other and enjoy each others company so to speak.
John R
John R.