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Rawkinlocs
06-26-2005, 03:20 PM
Greetings RAW-some people!

Well, I've been noticing a trend here. A trend of many new members (and even some not-so-new) that come and ask questions about things that have been previousy discussed (some things more indepth and more frequently than others) and some members (myself included) tend to request that a search be done.

I also noticed that some members get offended when asked to do a search or when they notice someone else being asked to do a search.

I can see both sides and I'm hoping you can too.

This is what I see:

Side A (the "do-a-search'ers): I can't speak for anyone else, but only for myself. I realize that there are constantly new members joining and that questions WILL be repeated...not a problem. In the past, whenever someone asked a question, I would run and type it in the search either here on this board or by doing a Yahoo or Google search and I'd be searching my BUTT off locating things to help out. It wasn't a burdensome thing or anything...I rather enjoy doing it "at times", especially when it's something new to me because "I" learn something from doing it! But then one day as I was wrecking my brain trying to find something for someone, the thought occured to me, "Why is the person not doing this?? Can't they just as easily do as I am sitting here doing FOR them?"

Now, I don't tend to make it a habit of saying, "Google it!" because I realize that not everyone is computer/internet savvy. So, at times I'll do it, but if I don't feel like it or if I'm in one of "those" moods, then I'll just leave it for someone else to come in and help out.

But when it comes to topics such as certain ingredients, recipes, issues (like b12), etc. I do find that I will offer a few words of advice but if it's something I KNOW has been discussed here (especially if it's been discussed during the same week as that has been done before - a topic will be asked about and just a few posts down, the very same topic is the subject line of another thread) then I'll guide the member to the top of the page, and to click on the banana (search) icon and type in the term or phrase they are searching for.

Side B (the "just-answer-the-darned-question-and-quit-saying-do-a-search'ers"):

I also see you guys' point. I guess it can be kinda annoying to always see someone (or be told yourself) to do a google or do a search. Seems kinda impolite and impatient to the newbies. Feel like people should be able to ask questions without fear or being made to feel dumb, etc.

Okay, so what to do?
How about this...those of you/us who WANT to answer the questions or do the searches on behalf of the person asking the question, do it! If you don't mind googling or searching this site for answers or if you HAVE the answer then help the person out.

Those of you/us who DON'T feel up to searching and finding old threads/posts or googling on behalf of the person asking the question, move on to the next topic and just not bother saying anything at all. Kinda like, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"...

Well in this case, if you don't have an answer (or don't WANT to answer) then just don't answer at all! :p Simply allow other members to chime in and answer for them or do the searching for them.

That way, no one is made to feel "dumb" or lazy and all is well in the world (or at least this little part of it!) So, when I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy and all is well with me, I won't mind doing a little searching and posting FOR ya! But on the days that I'm feeling kinda cruddy, I'll just keep my big mouf shet! ;)

But just as an FYI and awareness to ALL members - the search function IS here for a reason and it is a very valuable tool! Sometimes you can get a plethora of GOOD information just by scrolling up to the top of the page, clicking on the icon with the banana on it, and typing in whatever word (or phrase) you are trying to find. Wanna find bread recipes? Type in "recipes for bread". Wanna know about raw oatmeal? Type in "raw oatmeal". Wanna know if anyone has problems losing weight on a raw diet? Type in "losing weight on a raw diet" or "weight loss on a raw diet". So in addition to whatever response you get from other members on this board, try also incorporating doing searches here because you will be surprised what kind of awesomely motivational, inspirational and educational responses you'll find from past discussions!

Hopefully we can all learn something from this post!

Thanks for reading :D

Ireland
06-26-2005, 03:27 PM
Well said. :)

VeganVixen
06-26-2005, 03:43 PM
yes , one thing I want to mention though is that on some post like "am I eating too much fruit" SOMEONE ( :p ) said "search it" but a bunch of newer people gave their opinions that havent EVER been given before - so in a way *in some* threads or questions you get a whole new wave of refreshed info or unread before sources ;)

Rawkinlocs
06-26-2005, 03:45 PM
yes ...so in a way *in some* threads or questions you get a whole new wave of refreshed info or unheard before sources ;)

You are correct grasshopper...I mean fairy! :p

rawpriestess
06-26-2005, 03:55 PM
Thank you, this needed to be said.

YOU RAWK, Rawk.;o)

Rawkinlocs
06-26-2005, 04:08 PM
I just wanted to say that this thread is by NO means meant to reprimand ANY-one!!!

I don't want it to turn into a big thing where folks are being called out or digs taken. This issue has been on my mind for the past days and it's something Alissa and I had briefly discussed.

As I mentioned somewhat, I have been one who also directed people to do a search or WANTED to direct people to do a search.

I am somewhat of a peace-keeper by nature. I always have been...NEVER liked contention between myself and others or others and others. So, this thread is simply about trying to keep the peace (as much as possible) 'round here!

Thanks!

Halo Aglow
06-26-2005, 04:12 PM
Thanks Rawkinlocs,

This issue had been on my mind about this forum and I too could completely understand both sides. The solution given here is perfect! :D

RawTruth
06-26-2005, 04:42 PM
You're a great peacekeeper, Cherie. Alissa made a terrific choice in you as moderator.

Alissa
06-26-2005, 05:11 PM
That’s why your the keeper of the forest rawkie!
Thanks for posting this. Sounds great!
I never want people to feel like they cannot ask questions here and be hesitant to do so. Of course there is always going to be duplicates so i think your solution is best about people not answering if they don’t want to but if you’d like to help, jump in. and like vegan vixen said there are always new answers and sometimes and old thread may only have a few responses but a new thread of the same nature gets a lot of responses, so.... ask away people, but maybe do a quick search first. You don’t have to spend all day on google and you don’t have to make sure before you post that this question hasnt been asked, but maybe just take 5 minutes and do a quickie search in case it has been asked in the last 2 days, etc...I personally think this pertains mostly to the basic questions of, how do i sprout this, does anyone have this recipe, etc... As for questions about eating fruit, say, there are a million ways to ask that so im sure there will be a lot of different threads on something like that.
xo Alissa

Rawkinlocs
06-26-2005, 05:54 PM
Thanks for the comments and appreciations, etc.!

I'm gonna now close this thread because as I said, it doesn't need to become a big thing. Let's just do what I said and no one gets hurt!

:D j/k!

Bye now!