[quote author="graphrix" date=1242486708][quote author="SoCal78" date=1242466356]I'm thinking maybe we could use a simple "How-To" post in the General Mortgage / Irvine Real Estate sections for newbie posters... a "read this before you begin posting" thread... offering tips such as using the search engine.</blockquote>
You mean like <a href="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/forums/viewthread/1702/">this thread</a> that newbies never read, or how about the <a href="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/forums/viewthread/2018/">tech thread</a> that even senior members who still can't figure out the link button have never read? And... the next post about how do you find out about <a href="http://www.irvinehousingblog.com/forums/viewthread/346/">what is scheduled for the foreclosure auction</a> is going to make me lose it. Use the F"ING search button. I am <em>this</em> close to blowing the nice policy. IHB is not the same, and it is losing it's appeal to those who have answers to complicated questions when the simple and already answered more than once questions are flooding the forums. And... I have tried to be nice as a moderator in pointing out the search button, but that has obviously failed. Some times people need some tough love, otherwise they take advantage of you.
<em>*goes to remove his cranky pants, but is seriously not happy with how lame the forums have become*</em></blockquote>
Woah, Nelly! Take a deep breath. hehe. I think we need to make the title bold in the "New Members Start Here" Sticky. People want fast, easy answers. When I used to work in retail and we closed for the night, there would be a big red sign at eye level on the door that said "CLOSED" and people would still knock, look past it, and ask if we're open... time & time again. They like to have a person specifically tell them what to do. It is human nature and it will never, ever, change. Let's continue reminding new people to use the search feature and provide them a link to those threads you have posted. If necessary, repeat yourself nicely until they understand how to go about it. Maybe offer mod assistance through a PM so they are aware that there is help available to give them the tools they need to get info. If older bloggers don't want to be bothered by it, how about not replying and letting somebody else respond. I hope we can keep this a reputable site that people will want to be a part of and so it can continue to grow and get more national attention that it deserves. Cheers.