By giving links to every question asked, it frequently overwhelms a new reader.
On the other hand Dave, by new readers asking the same questions over and over, it frequently overwhelms the old forumites.
Exactly. There are a very large number of "old forumites" who made substantial contributions to TIGHAR's work who do not participate here. I suspect, though I cannot prove, that some of them may have grown tired of repetitious questions. Some, too, were irked by the change from the e-mail format to a page-based format.
Or maybe Marty they got tired of being told to "look it up". And wanted some give and take.
It doesn't overwhelm any old timers to hear a newbies question.. Just ignore the question. It isn't like some forums where there is a new question every 2 minutes.
I belong to several forums where I am the old timer. I get the same questions again and again. And Our topics aren't as detailed as this place. This is a maze.
But I answer the questions on my forums, if I feel like it, or I ignore the newbies and let someone else answer it.
I have never seen a forum where it wasn't meant to be fun and educational.
If a newbie asks a questions that is obvious, like what kind of plane did they have, yes, roll your eyes and give them a link.
But here, No matter what is asked, there is a moderator there telling you to look it up.
I don't get it.
Forums are supposed to draw new members, and new money, and new blood, and have fun.
Not guard state secrets or for old timers to pat each other on the back.
Being rude to new members, or making it not fun, is arrogant, sorry, it is.