Repeat Myself Repeat Ourselves.

Why does it offend some people that a topic comes up that has been bashed out in a past thread or threads?

Or why do people think that an image should not be used a 2nd time?

Always happy stamping. KGV

KGV
I don't see a problem with using images more than once.

A 3d Kookaburra mini sheet would fit a mini sheet thread.
A Pre-Dec Australia thread.
A Topical bird thread.
A Topical blue stamp thread.

KGV, I agree that an image can be utilized in more than one thread if it qualifies. As far as a topic being repeated multiple times, I think we should try not to repeat a topic unless the issue that you wish to raise was not covered in the earlier thread.

I agree that images are quite welcome in multiple uses if they do fit more than one thread. Lots of readers may only see them once in any case because the title of one thread may catch their interest while the others may not. I know that I do not always look carefully through every title that comes up.

As to a repetition of topics, perhaps in an ideal world they would only come up the once but really, the common concerns are bound to reappear. References and links to past discussions are welcome and I can think of several of my "New" topics that have been answered with just such a link.

Search engines do not always turn up relevant material particularily if you are using terms different from previous ones. Questions imply unfamiliarity and use generalizations that don't narrow a search enough. If you find one topic that you know you have seen before, it's just "Been there. Done that," and move on. Upset? Why on earth would I bother to be? It's all new ground to someone, so let them have at it.

Mhc99, I do understand your point about pictures & topics 'being repeated multiple times', but with the growing numbers of 'New SCF members' joining daily, some questions/topics/pictures are bound to be repeated by these new members in their quest for general/specialized knowledge concerning aspects of collecting.

Imo, small price to pay for this Popular Stamp Forum, SCF.

I agree with everyone else that there's no harm at all in repeating scans. If they fit under a new heading, why not use them?

As for repeating topics, I think I fall somewhere between mhc99 and backroads. I'd only suggest that taking a little extra care in wording topic titles might help avoid some repetitions at least.

Thanks Aussie Al and mhc99.

Yes I see it is important to try not to repeat the topic in the Theme forum.

So repeating, other than images, should be done with caution.
Sounds reasonable to me.
So what to do if a person repeats a topic?
Do we link them to the relevant thread or rebuke the person for not doing a search or what?

Edit a few more posts than when I started to reply.

I don't recall anyone being rebuked for not searching,
however it is in their interest perhaps
to receive the best knowledge about a subject
if it has been treated prior.

I for one, advise searching from time to time
for people to be aware of the great SCF resource as a searchable database.

Very people probably WANT to start a thread on a subject that has already been dealt with - the reality is that unless you have a very long memory you usually don't know whether it has been dealt with or not. It largely comes down to the search words you use. One of the good things about this forum is that it's well-indexed by Google. I've often found informative threads through Google searching, sparing me the need to start a new topic.

That's why our administrator Bobby,
has the watermark "Please be specific when
composing thread topics..It's important"
on all new threads.

"look what I have" is the style of topic that generates interest
for a fleeting time, and then becomes a waste of bandwidth
as no one will return esp under a search option.

It takes just a little discipline to consider and prepare
a nice topic.

I read all the posts Let's not put pressure on the newbie! Most individuals are intelligent enough to notice and make a search with the engine. It's out of subject but in the thread about the Italian yellow stamp I kind of lost my nerves and i apologize even if it's to late. We can be polite and fierce at the same time (ironical) and it's something to avoid.

Being a "newbie", I would like to add my comments, hopefully without offending anyone. Yes I am a "newbie" to this web site, but not to stamp collecting - I have been collecting since the early 1950's and also am a member of APS. I have joined/registered various sites in which I participate. Most newbies register hopefully because they want to participate. I hope to learn from each one of you and hope to provide interesting information and fun in return. Please be careful to not encourage participation.

Hmmm - My last sentence is vague. We want to ENCOURAGE participation!

When I start a new topic I do a search to see if a key word has been used before and then see how relevant the topics that result from my search are compared to what I want to talk about. Sounds harder than it actually is.

As for Googling, what is important there is finding words used when titling threads, when writing in posts and naming what you are talking about and also, surprisingly perhaps, the titles used to name scans and photos.

When searching for a photo on Google, Google seems to look at the name of the photo and also at the text surrounding the photo, or what article the photo is embedded in, which brings up some interesting results.

However, the more relevant photos are the ones named with the word you are searching for (I think so anyway, Google is always changing and improving.)

I think that it is OK to go over old topics and rehash ideas because there are always new viewpoints, additional ideas, new phrasings used by people that may be more relevant to newcomers and those of us who live here almost.

Not everyone is interested in the same aspects of a topic as others. For example I am not too keen on revenue stamps but lately, seeing the cancellations on some, that aspect (cancels) has peeked my interest in them.

Possibly one reason we have so many new topics started on the same old stuff is we have no glossary or index to look up terms and meanings. This is seemingly in the works somehow?

Another is, as backroads mentioned, the differing ways that newcomers phrase things as apposed to those who are used to using the proper terms and phrasing and abbreviations.

But even these things will never cover all the questions and wonderings because not everything is always explained thoroughly. Some ideas are just assumed to be known or understood by inference or not deemed important enough to talk about or speculate upon.

There are many different levels of enjoyment possible for all people involved I think. I had collected for years just getting one of everything (except revenues!) that came my way. Now I am more interested in just certain aspects of certain stamps and cancels. People's interests change over time and circumstances and by the amount of time and skill we wish to use to enjoy out hobby.

Not everyone wishes to ask questions, but everyone likes to see answers that they can read at their leisure. Hopefully these answers are phrased in a way that can be understood and appreciated by as many interested collectors as possible. Otherwise they will need to be gone over again and again until everyone gets it, it their own unique wonderful way.

That is from the sites own statistics.
I guess when you have over two thousand members, and over half of them posting comments, there's bound to be cross over.
I certainly have re-posted images that have, I have thought, relevance to different discussions. And I usually do a search before posting a question, but I find the engine doesn't always give up its secrets that easily. Could be due to the shear volume, or my inability to see the answer (or both)
The size of this site and it's constant growth are a testament to it's value, and the ability of the administrators to run it. I commend them. But let's face it. S**t happens.

KGV:

A lot of times when a topic is repeated, I try to post a link to one of the earlier threads. I don't mean it as an affront -- I think it helps with continuity. I'm sorry if it seems otherwise -- especially to the new members.

I enjoy it when the older threads are revived and updated by newer members. But I can be just as content with a new discussion.

The only thing that does annoy me is "cross-posting" the same question in multiple forums -- that rarely happens here.

As for reusing images, I'm not sure I've noticed it happening -- but since virtually every stamp fits in more than one category, I don't see it as an issue.

KirkS