Let's be helpful...WAS Re: [Sigia-l] web writing for kids

[Listera]

"Donna Maurer" wrote:
 
> Come on - as IAs we should know what's hard about searching the archives.

If an IA (or even an aspiring one) cannot handle searching the archives,
he's got more serious problems than this.

> It relies on you phrasing a question using the exact same language as the
> previous question or answer.

What?!

> ...why would anyone browse 4 years of archives when they can simply ask a list
> of experienced people...

Because, among others,

a) they may *not* get an answer on the list, even when their question may
have already been answered perhaps multiple times previously, sitting in the
archives waiting to be accessed;

b) the answer they may get now may be less comprehensive/useful/pertinent
than what may be in the archives, as contributors, focus, urgency of subject
matter, etc change over time;

c) following an actual thread in the archives with many perspectives may
lead to enlarged discovery/leads/etc;

d) searching the archives *first* and getting at least a background if not
the answer would almost always help the questioner define their inquiry
better, increasing their chances to get the solution they are seeking.
There's no excuse for an IA, of all people, to not search the archives.
 
> This could be a fabulous resource, and frightening people is not the way to
> help anyone.

Oh, please! An IA frightened to type into a search box and hit the Search!
button? Give me a break. What's so 'frightening' about telling someone that
their question has already been covered in a thread previously, ready for
them to read in the archives?

Ziya
Nullius in Verba