to expect seasoned MNers not to mutter "search the archives" then flounce off?

[IAteRosemaryConleyForBreakfast]

This is not in response to a particular post, just something which narks me.

Now, I am completely fine with regulars being sent to search for things when they ask a stupid/common question.

But I've seen a few instances when, for example, people will post asking for help and mentioning their 8 week old baby or something, and they get told to go and search the archives.

Might it not be the case that these folks are new/in need of support/in need of answers rapidly? The archives are huge and vast and ginormous.

I'm just being moany, aren't I?

Ah, guilty! I did this the other day, but only because I knew that there are hundreds of threads about thsi particular thing...

I did give a brief answer as well!

I think that if you are a seasoned enough MNer to know that there have been previous threads on the same subject, twould be a hell of a lot easier for you to search the archives yourself and post a helpful link to the OP who clearly needs help or wouldn't be blardy well asking in the first place.

harrumph

It's all in the tone, isn't it?

If you say 'I'm really sorry you're having such a hard time. I remember other threads about this - have you had a look under...', the person will feel heard. Better still, do a link to a previous thread.

I think it's really important to not be brash with new posters.

Even if there are hundreds of threads on that subject, there may also be hundreds of more-recently-joined MNers who may have something of value to say, who obviously won't have posted on those eariler threads.

This sort of thing really narks me. If you have nothing to say - then say nothing!

I did say something, but I referred to other threads with posters with personal experience!!

No other helpful fecker came along and answered the thread...

I wanted to highlight a possibility that perhaps the new poster wasn't aware of, or considered.

I did that.

I mentioned that there were many instances of this. I did not link a particular post as there are amny, and there are also many different experiences.

I answered.

None of the hundreds of new MNers with opinions did.

I think the op is getting at posters who simply type

"search the archives"

and bugger off.

Telling someone that there are loads of threads on a subject, and suggesting posters who may be able to help more is just being helpful.

I think.