FAQ (rant)

[tommykjensen]

Recently there have been a number of repeat questions that have been asked and answered several times before. Even questions that are answered in in stickies are asked over and over again. Worst example is questions about TC's. And lately the question about which colorspace to choose have come up a number of times.

Currently the questions are being answered but someday I think the questions will simply not be answered because it has been answered so many times that people don't bother any more. And that would be a shame. For myself I can say that I often post a link to a previous thread if I just happen to know that the question was asked and answered in a thread I remember. But lately I have begun to think, whats the point?

But I think we need to reduce the number of repeat questions because of the high traffic with all the new members.

The question is how to make members look in stickies and use the search function before asking a question?

One idea I have is on the post new thread form to put an area with links to often asked questions in the area between the header and the "post new thread" box. This way users would get a last chance to see if the question they are about to ask alread has been asked and answered.

But then again, why bother? I have seen users ask questions in the excellent thread by CDS about TC's that was answered in the very same thread :confused:

And to counter any responses that say just ignore the threads I will say. Yes I can do that and have started to do that, but if we all do that then we will end up with posts that never get a response and just fill up the forum making it even more difficult to find the relevant answer. Because when users see that their post is not answered they will start searching but that will just return a bunch of similar unanswered questions. (Slightly exagerated).


Opinions please :D

[Andy_T]

Sounds a bit like a recurring rant to me ... be sure to include it in the FAQ :p

I think the idea has a lot of merit ... why not just select some of the stickies (or even put together new ones), and NAME them FAQ, for goodness' sake?

I hope people would rather read something that's entitled 'FAQ' than 'sticky' (because the 'stickies' are to an extent FAQs, and they are obviously never read).

I sometimes have quite a hard time to find a certain thread I want to give somebody who asks a question as reference ... e.g., I searched about 10 minutes today before finding the 2 threads 'Why do you take photos/pictures' when the issue was brought up a third time.

Best regards,
Andy

[tim]

I agree Tommy, and Andy's suggestion is a good one. Call the threads "FAQ - read this BEFORE posting a question", and cut the number of sticky theads down as much as possible. There was a sticky thread about a New Zealand meetup around for days or weeks that I didn't noticed because i've learned to ignore the sticky threads.

The idea of putting questions and links on the "post new thread" page isn't bad, but technically might be a pain to do. Perhaps a link to an overall FAQ thread that links to other FAQs might work.

[Tom W]

A really good, comprehensive FAQ would be a great addition to the site. But it's also a great deal of work to assemble all that knowledge, proofread it, and maintain it.

It will take a comprehensive effort of many members to put one together.

[tim]

A wiki might be a good place to do it, with write/modify access only granted to a number of select people who've demonstrated that they understand the area they're writing about.

[ssim]

I can appreciate your position on this one Tommy but if there was a limitation of some sort put on posting a question that has been asked and/or answered previously we wouldn't see very many new posts. I can remember coming on here as a newbie and I probably asked alot of questions that had been asked before. The more senior members at that time were very gracious in their assistance.

The search tool is a great instrument but in many cases it just yields too many results for someone to wade through, particularly if they are in a rush for the answer.

I agree a comprehensive FAQ (and call it that rather than a sticky) would definitely be an additional bonus. It is unfortuneate that in some areas the posts fall onto page 2 very quickly because of the number of new posts. Perhaps this might help that situation. Of course we can each decide which posts we wish to view and/or ignore.

What about a further search within the search results. You could slowly work your way to the answer that you are after.

[tommykjensen]

Sheldon, my suggestion was not to put any technical limits on the ability to ask questions.

Maybe a wiki is the answer and then a very obvious link to it from the post form.

Also I like the idea of searching within the search results but I don't think that is possible without code modifications.

[Andy_T]

A wiki might be a good place to do it,
VERY good idea...

with write/modify access only granted to a number of select people who've demonstrated that they understand the area they're writing about.

Hmm. Doesn't that run a bit against the WIKI philosophy ???

I recently checked out WIKIPEDIA, and was quite surprised about the quality of information given there about photography, aperture, the Canon EOS system, and such.

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberDyneSystems]

Can someone explain to this "newb" what "wiki" is?

The "sticky -READ FIRST- directory threads have been the stop gap answer to the "FAQ" question for some time.. since before the new software..

We do have a number of these.. and I do need to do more "directory" creation to limit the overall number of Sticky threads..

Again as a stop gap.. Do you really think putting the acronym "FAQ" in the titles will make a difference.. because that can certainly be done easily enough.

[Andy_T]

If you are referring to yourself as 'newb' :lol:, you might check out www.wikipedia.org that is a free encyclopedia where the users (you, me and all others) can modify the entries if they think they are not correct.

Don't know if there are special areas dedicated to certain usergroups or if you can have a copy of it included into your website, but it is an amazing thing that obviously works quite nicely.

You can check out this entry, for instance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberdyne_Systems_Corporation):lol:
Pay attention to the 'External links' part. :wink:

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberDyneSystems]

Thanks for the "wiki" info.. sounds intersting.
:lol: Yes.. I'll have to make some contributions to that entry! :lol:

FYI..I just "cleaned up " the Stickies in Post processing (it had accummulated the most stickies)

They can all be found now in one sticky thread labeled -=FAQ=-
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85175

Likewise,. I will rename the "EOS Sticky" to EOS FAQ;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42034


Look at these examples and tell me if this is helpfull and if you think the label "FAQ" will make a difference in how ignored these threads will be.

[tommykjensen]

Look at these examples and tell me if this is helpfull and if you think the label "FAQ" will make a difference in how ignored these threads will be.

Well lets see if it helps. I have added the links to my signature so the links will be displayed in 2500+ posts ;)

[Andy_T]

Haha ...

good idea, Tommy!
Added 4600 more references to the FAQ on the forum to look :wink:

Now where is the EF lens FAQ ???

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberDyneSystems]

Now where is the EF lens FAQ ???

Best regards,
Andy

I have to run to a meeting.. but will do it soon..

Unless one of you would like to make it.. then I'll stick it ;) when I get back.
(if you do be sure and check the links in the EOS FAQ.. it was made prior to the EF lens forum.. so much of it is lens related too)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Of course you realize.. we will need to make a FAQ FAQ Sticky somewhere with links to all the FAQ's :lol: :lol: :lol:

... actually.. the list of FAQ threads should be added to all the FAQs.. ?

[shortie]

Hi All

May be a dumb sugestion

But - is there a way that when a newbie registers they can not post until they have read a number of FAQ's I know all they would have to do is open it and move on but hey you never know it might work

Shortie

[tommykjensen]

Hi All

May be a dumb sugestion

But - is there a way that when a newbie registers they can not post until they have read a number of FAQ's I know all they would have to do is open it and move on but hey you never know it might work

Shortie

There is no dumb questions, only dumb answers ;)

But I don't think that will help much because it is not certain that the user actually have a question that is answered in the FAQ at the time of registering. It might just popup 2 months later and then the FAQ has been forgotten so I don't think forcing new users to read the FAQ before posting will help.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I have to admit.. I havefantasized about a similar approach regarding the forum rules themselves, requiring a check mark next to "i agree" before people can post.. ;)

[tommykjensen]

I have to admit.. I havefantasized about a similar approach regarding the forum rules themselves, requiring a check mark next to "i agree" before people can post.. ;)

Forum rules is different and I would agree that perhaps the TOS that is displayed when registring could be amended so it includes the most important rules.

[CyberDyneSystems]

.. EF LEns section FAQ in place...

I left the T-Con and -=TOP 10=- sections stuck too.. even though there also in the FAQ.. some things need extra coercement :lol:

[neil_r]

Interesing fact, with only one exception, all posts in this thread have been made by people who do answer questions ;)

I must confess I have started to just ignore the oft repeated questions, I will sometimes post a few links to related questions but more and more I dont respond at all.

I must be turning into a miserable old bugger :(

N

[Hellashot]

It seems that 50% of new posts in the most popular forums are repeat posts. RAW, WB, what lense next???, which lens to buy?, why does LCD give bright but my images turn out underexposed and dark?, why are my pictures out of focus? (lack of DOF), etc.

Maybe if new users were unable to make posts until they were members for 2 weeks. That would force them to read and search existing posts. Plus I've seen a few multiple posts by users.

[tommykjensen]

Interesing fact, with only one exception, all posts in this thread have been made by people who do answer questions ;)

I must confess I have started to just ignore the oft repeated questions, I will sometimes post a few links to related questions but more and more I dont respond at all.


See that is exactly what I am afraid will happen over time if we can't do something to reduce the number of repeat questions. Because as I said earlier if everybody stops responding (I admit I too have begun to ignore repeat posts) then suddenly the questions will go unanswered and fill the forum up. When the forum fills up with unanswered questions it would do any good trying to search for an answer, because they a burried deep down on page 9999.

I know we can't force users to read FAQs and I don't think we should prevent new users from posting. After all I see some users when they post their first post they start by saying they have been reading for a long time and now its time to ask a question, post a photo or whatever, those users that already read alot will be punished if we prevent new users from posting for a certain amount of time.

[martook]

Haha :)

I had a bit of fun terrorising CDS a few days back with ideas how this site could evolve to make it an even better place, but I completly missed this thread. Maybe I should rewrite them a bit and post them in here instead... anyone interested?

[tommykjensen]

Haha :)

I had a bit of fun terrorising CDS a few days back with ideas how this site could evolve to make it an even better place, but I completly missed this thread. Maybe I should rewrite them a bit and post them in here instead... anyone interested?


Please do.

[martook]

Ok, just started making lunch though, so I'll post a little later... *afk* :)

[mijbril]

I've no idea what this messageboard was really like when it started, but I imagine that there was a mix of old heads with the knowledge willing to impart it to eager minds. I guess that is 1 reason why this messageboard was started.

A with a steady influx of new members, some who earn a living as a photographer & others who can not use a flash without sending themselves blind, the neophytes ask a question (often without searching the archives), the older members of the board think to themselves, "hang on, I answered that same question 2 weeks ago.... and 3 weeks before that...."

BUT, there is also a group of new members who know (or think they know, LOL) one end of a camera from the other & so they indulge the neophyte & answer their questions, eager to impart their own knowledge to the neophyte, until they too one day become old heads & think, "hmmm, I've answered this question 4 times in the last 6 weeks now....."

A circle that will go around & around for sometime to come I think UNTIL new members learn what the SEARCH button is for & how to use it. I did not make a post here for a while after I became a member, I was looking for knowledge & I found what I wanted without having to ask & I still use the search function for everything before I ask a technical question.

[martook]

Well, as I said to CDS, the biggest problem with this site is that there is just too much information, and every day it's getting harder to find relevant threads for newbies. There are stickys (Now renamed FAQ) in every forum, that links to threads, some good, some not so good. I just think that the format and amount of info makes it very hard for new people to find their way around the forum.

What I'd like to see is the site expand to something more than just the best forum... it should be the best photo site in general. I'm not sure if Pekka actually wants this, so it would be nice to hear from him.

A start would be to make a proper FAQ, maybe in the form of a Wiki or even better, in an application called asciidoc. It's a system where you just edit things in simple textformat, and the system then generates HTML and PDF files from that. Very easy, and great for people so they can download and print it. You can have a look at this site: http://www.methods.co.nz/asciidoc/index.html
Scroll down to Example Books to see how it works.

Anyway. The information is there, but it's hard to find. With a proper FAQ, that is indexed in a good way, should make it possible to remove some of the redundant questions at least. Also, if it's done in a good way, the PDF-files generated could make a book which would be really cool I think.


Another thing I'd like to see is a completly different approach to the lens questions. First of all, a proper database (like fredmiranda.com) where people can write their opinions would be nice. One thing I like about the swedish site www.fotosidan.se (http://www.fotosidan.se) is that people can find their lens, and just click a button their to add it to their "photo bag", it's a fun way to see how many people on the site use a certain lens.

Also, it would be awesome with some sort of automatic lens chooser :)
Maybe it doesn't have to be too advanced, just something like different recommended "photo bags" including different lenses depending on how much many one wants to spend and what they want to use them for.


Have you ever visited www.nikonians.org (http://www.nikonians.org?) ? I haven't spent a lot of time there, but end up their sometimes when I google for (3rd party-) lenses and other stuff. You can say whatever you want about their cameras, but damn, that site is good. Of course, it's another kind of site compared to this one, but it's very very good I think. If you've never been there, have a look, and then come back and say that you don't wish there was a site like that for Canon users. I dare you. :P

[tim]

Another thing I'd like to see is a completly different approach to the lens questions. First of all, a proper database (like fredmiranda.com) where people can write their opinions would be nice.

Why replicate a site that already exists? I'd rather see something new and different.

One reason I like POTN so much is because it's not too big, and you get to know who people are. Change the site too much and POTN will lose some of it's appeal for some people.

[martook]

Why replicate a site that already exists? I'd rather see something new and different.

One reason I like POTN so much is because it's not too big, and you get to know who people are. Change the site too much and POTN will lose some of it's appeal for some people.

Well, not exactly like fredmiranda, but I think another approach then the one there is today would be good... because seeing the same questions about the same lenses every day could get boring some day. If someone has any suggestions, please share them.

Yeah, I agree, that's one thing that makes POTN a great place, all you oldies that have been hanging around since forever... It is the best forum I've ever been to, so of course I wouldn't like that to change either, but there's more people like me showing up here every day asking silly questions... and if the most basic questions keep on reappearing, I think people will stop coming here.

Maybe I'm wrong, maybe nothing should be changed or added. Sorry that I'm just showing up here, with no photo skills at all and sounding that I'm demanding that the site should change, to a way that I'd like more, I'm not really that much of an a**hole :p
It's just that I've read a lot in this forum, and there is so much great information here and so many talented photographers, that it easily could be so much more than it is today. I am a man of visions! :lol:

[martook]

Another thing I would love to see is a google map application, listing interesting places to bring your camera. Lets say I'm going to Boston (or whatever) for a week with a rental car. Then I'd zoom in on Boston and see that someone has recommended a zoo (with a link to the forum where they have posted some pictures), maybe even a lens for it and so on. Someone else has a tip about a nice waterfall not to far away from Boston.
Making a map application might be too much work as a first step, just a listing where you find the place you are going to, based on country, state, town etc. where you can write about nice places that could be interesting for a photog to check out.

Anyone else that would find this interesting?

[tommykjensen]

Another thing I would love to see is a google map application, listing interesting places to bring your camera. Lets say I'm going to Boston (or whatever) for a week with a rental car. Then I'd zoom in on Boston and see that someone has recommended a zoo (with a link to the forum where they have posted some pictures), maybe even a lens for it and so on. Someone else has a tip about a nice waterfall not to far away from Boston.
Making a map application might be too much work as a first step, just a listing where you find the place you are going to, based on country, state, town etc. where you can write about nice places that could be interesting for a photog to check out.

Anyone else that would find this interesting?

Yep I like that idea.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hey.. all you FAQ feinds..

I have a favor to ask..

As you know many of the forums have there Stickies/FAQs in them....
Then we have various ruls scattered throughout the place including the main set of Forum rules..
We have the V-Bulletin use FAQ etc..

Just FYI part of the thinking behind our "not really a FAQ so much as a list of links to threads that will answer your FAQs" Threads was.. rather than having one so called authority answering questions that woul tend to be one sided.. we would rely on the brain trust that is this forum to answer the FAQs simply by linking to the good threads on a given discussion.

Anyway.. this is how we have arrived at our current juncture...

At your suggestion some of these "stickies" are being converted to be a little more "FAQ-like".. but one major project remains at large.

I have wanted to take the time to try and collect ALL of the "FAQ/Sticky/Rules/How-to's" into ONE comprehensive and hopefully descriptive FAQ thread....

This is however a project that anyone could undertake.. it would require no admin rights.. it would simply be another thread like one of the existing Sticky/FAQ/Directories..

I think it should start right here... in this forum.. and hoefully have all of the existing info available within it via links...

Again,. I have been meaning to do this.. but if anyone is gung ho.. why not start it yourself ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well, not exactly like fredmiranda, but I think another approach then the one there is today would be good... because seeing the same questions about the same lenses every day could get boring some day.


Just FYI.. thoguh I love the idea of our own reviews section..

FM is a great example.. they HAVE that review section.. it is impressive, comprehensive.. and very helpfull...

But your dreaming if you think that having such a thing on a forum will in any way reduce the number of specific lens questions...

As mentioned.. it allready exists at Fred Miranda.. it's been there for years.. many years.. you can not hit the front page without it being presented right in your face with pictures!

...and yet does it stop people from posting the same repeat questions ON FM forums?

No...

So,. again.. all the interst in a FAQ and or reviews is excellent.. but just be clear about the realities of why you would want one.. because the bottom line is it WILL NOT stave off the increasing numbers of repeat questions..

[Belmondo]

CDS raises an excellent point. There's a saying which comes to mind right now, and it has something to do with leading horses to water.

Another one that comes to mind relates to the difference between giving a man a fish or teaching him how to fish.

There are virtually unlimited resources available, both in this forum, and elsewhere on the internet, but unless and until people are willing to learn how to access them and then actually use them, it's reasonable to assume we will continue to to get the 'which lens' questions.

I'd be far more concerned if people weren't asking questions, because that would mean they were going somewhere else for their information.

[martook]

But your dreaming if you think that having such a thing on a forum will in any way reduce the number of specific lens questions...

Hahaha, yeah, that is very true!
I guess I'm not only a visionary, I'm a dreamer as well! Those two work fine together... :lol::lol::lol:

[martook]

Just FYI part of the thinking behind our "not really a FAQ so much as a list of links to threads that will answer your FAQs" Threads was.. rather than having one so called authority answering questions that woul tend to be one sided.. we would rely on the brain trust that is this forum to answer the FAQs simply by linking to the good threads on a given discussion.

The problem as I see it is that threads that was good when it was added to the FAQ might not be good at all a couple of months later. As an example, the lens review I mailed you about that I considered rather bad... The pictures, which made the whole thread, are missing. Suddenly, that should be removed from the FAQ, because the information is no longer there.

Also, for questions that requires a short answer, you get linked to a five page thread which explains in ten different ways the same thing, but the thread is also full of other information that doesn't answer your question and just makes you more confused... extreme example of course, but you understand how I mean...


I think another approach would be to make a "real" (the way I see a one anyway) FAQ, with (when it's possible) direct answers, but also links to relevant threads.

For example...
"FAQ 3.5.1:
Some people tell me I should never buy third party lenses, because they will stop working when I buy a new camera, is this true?

Answer: This is a much debated subject, there are a couple of important things you should remember when buying lenses made by Sigma/Tamron etc. Bla bla bla bla bla bla bla. So yes, this might happen, although nobody can say for sure that it will happen again. You have to bla blablablabla...

References: showthread.php?p=12345....."


It's more work, but I think the result would be better... or maybe not, how would I know! :P

[mijbril]

Just FYI.. thoguh I love the idea of our own reviews section..

FM is a great example.. they HAVE that review section.. it is impressive, comprehensive.. and very helpfull...

But your dreaming if you think that having such a thing on a forum will in any way reduce the number of specific lens questions...

As mentioned.. it allready exists at Fred Miranda.. it's been there for years.. many years.. you can not hit the front page without it being presented right in your face with pictures!

...and yet does it stop people from posting the same repeat questions ON FM forums?

No...

So,. again.. all the interst in a FAQ and or reviews is excellent.. but just be clear about the realities of why you would want one.. because the bottom line is it WILL NOT stave off the increasing numbers of repeat questions..

Maybe a review section that not just gives user reviews but also gives a "rating for money" which I think is an important consideration, yeah, "L" lenses are great but not everyone can afford them or really needs them (or do we all need them?? hehe). Plus links to comparable lenses to see the review of them as well. Might stop a few "should I get the Tamron 18-200 or the Sigma 18-200 or Canon 28-200" type questions....

And it would be interesting reading the opinions of users. FM is too impersonal for my liking :( I never register there but do some reading of users opinions from time to time.

[martook]

Yeah... or something like listing the most popular lenses in a certain category, write pro's and con's, and then a vote like in "most popular ..." threads. Or maybe not, because Canon would get votes even if people haven't tried it ;P

For example, super wide angle for 1.6x crop cameras...
Canon 10-22, Sigma 10-20, Tamron 11-18, Tokina 12-24, Sigma 12-24
Canon is better at this, not quite so good at that... more expensive... bla bla bla
Sigma is ... and so on.

and also here have links to threads that compare the lenses

[nation]

I'm new to these parts and would like to add some comments. Feel free to tell me where to go if it goes against the grain of this board but I too am amazed by the number of reposts of topics that have been discussed ad nauseum.

The internet has been around for 10 odd years now and has spawned countless web based forums. Anyone with even a modicum of internet experience will have come across these forums, viewed their various posts and seen the "do a search" reply. So oft is this reply that even without reading forum rules I’d expect members to know that searching is an explicit rule of the majority, if not all, internet forums. Given the nature and layout of this particular forum I see no reason why anyone could believe that this forum is an exception.

FAQs are in place and notes are provided regarding searching. Unfortunately these alone can’t be relied on to stop reposts. Members who can’t follow simple instructions is not a new problem. The forum should remain self regulating but at the same time needs to be guided by the senior members to combat repeat posts. A simple solution would be to lock reposts with only the words “DO A SEARCH”. Now that may be perceived as being a little harsh but I only see it as an adequate response for those showing contempt against the board and its members and should send out a clear signal about searching. Of course for this to work fairly discretion needs to be exercised regarding how often topics were raised, how long ago, are there any new developments or different dimensions to arguments etc. More importantly senior members need to realise that they know where the answers are. The newbie may not know the correct keyword to search for.

In the short time I’ve been here I’ve found the forum to be mature and friendly. In light of all other posting I for one wouldn’t think I was back in primary school with the above approach to reposts. Maybe others may think differently but the wealth of knowledge here makes me want to follow the rules and exercise judgement and common sense before posting.

Having said all the above the hokey search function on this site really needs to be attended to. Did Ben Hur design it:lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yeah... or something like listing the most popular lenses in a certain category, write pro's and con's, and then a vote like in "most popular ..." threads.

Oh...now YOUR just MESSING with me!!!!!!!!!!!


...er “DO A SEARCH” man! :lol:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Having said all the above the hokey search function on this site really needs to be attended to. Did Ben Hur design it:lol:

wow,. really?

I find it the best I've used :(
Really!

[martook]

Oh...now YOUR just MESSING with me!!!!!!!!!!!


...er “DO A SEARCH” man! :lol:

Hahaha, I didn't mean it like that!!! I promise!!! :D

Damn, I'm going to have to make example pages of all my ideas, noone ever understands what I'm trying to say...

I'll try to take some time in the next few days and show what I actually want my ideas to look like.

[martook]

I think the advanced search is just fine... actually, there is nothing wrong with the search function in my opinion, the problem is that there is "too many" threads, makes it very hard to find some things. That's the curse of a great forum :)

Or do you have any specific complaints about the search, Nation?

[tommykjensen]

I think the advanced search is just fine... actually, there is nothing wrong with the search function in my opinion, the problem is that there is "too many" threads, makes it very hard to find some things. That's the curse of a great forum :)

Or do you have any specific complaints about the search, Nation?

I have ;-)

Certain important phrases cannot be used in search.

Example from the forum, a user posted a question about how many users had the combination 20D + ef 70-200 mm f/4 + 1,4x TC. I said there where many posts regarding that and the user said he had tried to find those, so I tried searching for them myself.

I used following keywords: 20d 70 200 tc
Result: The search only used the keyword 20d

[martook]

I used following keywords: 20d 70 200 tc
Result: The search only used the keyword 20d

Well, try "20d 70-200 1.4x" (without "") instead and see if you find something. I got lots of hits, don't know if they are what you were looking for though :)

[tommykjensen]

Well, try "20d 70-200 1.4x" (without "") instead and see if you find something. I got lots of hits, don't know if they are what you were looking for though :)

Don't know either as it was not me that was looking ;-)

[martook]

Don't know either as it was not me that was looking ;-)

Hehe, ok... so what we need is some kind of help for the search function, with good examples. I'll put it in the FAQ. ;)

[nation]

I have ;-)

Certain important phrases cannot be used in search.

Example from the forum, a user posted a question about how many users had the combination 20D + ef 70-200 mm f/4 + 1,4x TC. I said there where many posts regarding that and the user said he had tried to find those, so I tried searching for them myself.

I used following keywords: 20d 70 200 tc
Result: The search only used the keyword 20d

probably a little harsh on my criticism of the search function but these are the sort of problems i've experienced. search words being too short, long or common. a guide on how best to use the search (linked to from the search button drop down) could be an idea.

the above few posts is an excellent example of the difference between a member not knowing where to start with searching and the senior member with familiarity of the forum, its terminology and its features.