"Use The Search Button"

I'm always seeing posts where people are asking simple questions and everyone's response is "use the search button". I know we are supposed to search before we post but isn't it just as bad to just reply "use the search button"? I think it's ok to say that if you also answer their question or direct them to a thread that answers their question. I just think it's annoying when people post just that. (it's never happened to me, but I just see it a lot). Personally, I've never found what I wanted on search, but maybe that just because I have bad searching skills. So my suggestion is that it should be against the rules to say "use the search button" "use google" " look it up" or anything like nonconstructive like that.

Thoughts?

Just redirect everyone to http://www.hurr-durr.com.

But seriously, we're both newbies on here. Good idea posing the question, but lets hear some seasoned BHW veterans speak up about this situation.

Well, I'm not siding anyone here. You might be right and you might be wrong; so are the veterans.

But you're thinking on the "newbie's perspective", try thinking on the "veteran's perspective". Those who are new, they usually just post questions asking for help when there are millions of similar questions being posted in the past. Why? Because they just want to know the answer ASAP before even using the search function. It just shows the person doesn't care and doesn't have any patience to lookup for any existing questions first.

All the veterans are sick and tired of the same questions being posted over and over again.

But what you said is also true.. it's sometimes frustrating to wait for an answer and the answer is "use the search function" or some sarcasm. lol. Sometimes it's just Veteran's ego (SOME veterans, not all) that made them answer like this.. they just wanna pick on the newbies to show their might or they just wanna de-stress themselves.
Have you talked to a complacent classmate who thinks he/she is smart in class before? Yeah, that's the feeling... they know they are "seniors" or "smarter", therefore they don't treat any respect to those who are lower.

But again, it might also be because you're new here. When I was still in my default reputation (10), hardly have any thanks, and low number of post... I was new and I remember asking a question "What is craighlist?"
Jzus Cries, the whole senior members started picking on me and laughing.
Now when I ask stupid questions, they answer very normally.

I guess it's like joining Hell's Angels biker gang. lol.

Everyone's a newbie before so I understand how you feel, my friend.

The search feature does leave alot to be desired and I have heard that doing a google search will help you find the right bhw thread better than the search button.
I would like to add that while using the search for one thing, I have run across some very useful stuff that I never even thought of.
The search won't make the information magically appear in front of your eyes and you may never find what your looking for. But you should try it first before starting a thread.

I'm for this.

The best thing is do do some searching first on BHW and google. If you really can't find it,
mention that you've tried, and then post. That way you can avoid some flames!

google -> site:blackhatworld.com "keyword" ... this gives far better results than using the search function of the forum.

It's a good point, but sometimes people just need to search.
Use google dude.

Again as someone said I am on no-ones side here, from the newbie's point of view there is so much info you can get lost and it can take forever to find the answer you are looking for, but that depends on the question, if you ask a question like which cpa companies should I sign up for, there is a whole list out there you can look for and it will give you the answers, from a veterans point seeing this question or similar question coming up week after week can get very frustrating, so their answer is use the search button.
Which yes I can agree with, but it would be more helpful of instead of saying this would be check the cpa section or whatever to at least give the starting point, to the newbies, just look at the forum you are going to ask the question on first to see if you can track down the answer you are searching for first, before having to ask the question how do I?

It can be annoying when you are watching your thread only to go in and find the answer use the search button, but it can be annoying seeing the How do I question repeatedly, it will always be a 50/50 situation between the vets and the noobs and one that will never end lol

Godmonkee