I really have found this site to be helpful and am gracious to everyone on here. But it seems EVERY new BB user coming to this site DOES NOT use the search button before posting several threads to get a simple question answered. Then they get repremanded by the BB mods and members saying, "Don't double post" or "Use the search button first". I know because I was one of those newbies frantically trying to get my questions answered.
Why? Well for those of us who are technically challenged or don't use or have ever been in a forum know exactly what the forum etiquette is.

My point being the search button should be highlighted or something should direct new people or the technically challenged to eliminate members/moderators jumping on them. Maybe this isn't as user friendly as you may think? If you notice new threads now start off by members justifying their posting (ie...."sorry if this question has been asked but...." ) Again, I've been there and done that but it's painful to see others go through what I went through when they genuinely come here for help. Keep in mind with the release of the Iphone and it's high initial price ALOT of people bought pearls, like me, not knowing the in's and out's. So you can expect alot of traffic on this site due to this and the traffic may be from people WHO have never been in a forum, chat room, or know how to use the internet for that matter.
Then there lies the question why did they get a BB? Well, thats not the point. The point is this site is to help others despite their lack of knowledge and they don't deserve to be treated like they don't belong because they don't know the "search" button.

I am afraid I have not noticed the Moderators here jumping on new members to search. From time to time I do a moderator but mostly other members asking a new member to search, but it is rare, and it is usually corrected by another member or Mod with at least a clue of what to search for if not a complete answer to the question.

I agree that it is difficult for those completely new to Forums to know what etiquette is in order.

Out of 140,000 members, we might average 1,000 - 1,300 actually online at anyone time. There might be one jerk who rudely asks someone to search without helping further. You would find less hospitality at any one football stadium if you walked to the sideline and asked "what is the elliptical brown thing you are throwing around"? You would be ignored or shoved off the field, or clobbered by the fan(atics). Not here.

This is a very friendly community and one of the most helpful and responsive on the internet. Because we don't allow (and it does slip by) the very behavior you described is one reason I choose to spend time here, and enjoy being a part of this Forum.

Thanks for your point of view.

I have to agree with you in that this is a friendly community. And as for the moderators, I do recognize less hostility towards new members since my membership and I do see a huge change in thier attitudes based on responses they give. I think it's great and I applaud your patience. Lord knows I've become on of those that holds back from writing, "Ugh, do a search pal before you post your questiong!" But I don't

I have learned ALOT from simply reading posts everyday that catch my eye and the responses from members and moderators.

So can you guys make the SEARCH button blink or change colors when newbies sign on??????

Thanks for all you do BB moderators and Sir Guess (owner and "Mr. Man")

Of course also there is the stickied thread that asks all new members to read first before posting which will help as well.

I think alot of it stems from new users coming in and asking a question that is new to them but for those of us that have been here for awhile have seen many many times. Not trying to justify the actions of some just a perspective.

Maybe newmembers with fewer than say 50 posts should automatically be directed to search or have a banner pop up that asks "have you searched?"

okay that is bit to much,

I had no idea when I first joined I asked my first question and the SAC was prompt at directing me in the correct direction

I asked What is a JVM 102 error and what is 507 with shapes.

I was directed properly and even a bit of questiong and BAM i was up and running!

Now I try to help as much as possible

I saw another forum which did an automatic search based on the new topic subject prior to posting the topic and asked the user if they've found the answer to their question.