Do a search
I am over people who take the time to post this .
I mean if it is really a generic post like "what restaurants are in X city". OK Maybe you should have done a little research.
Lets say you are traveling to X ...and you say hey what is a great rec for a steakhouse for me and my Girl friend.
Someone takes the time to 1. log in 2. scan posts and then post "do a search. "
So you took all that effort just to be .....................
99.999999999% of times I ask for specific recs everyone is so great so thank you. Just kind of over the 00.00000001%
This is getting so nuked in like 2 secs.
By chris2269
on Jun 25, 2011 09:53 PM
View »
If all you get is "Do a search" as a reply (or if you see that in reply to someone's post) just use the Report function and it will be removed.
Permalink | Reply
Before you ask for date night steakhouse recommendations, do you search to see whether anyone else has asked for date night steakhouse recommendations in the past few months? If you don't, the person who replies to you with useful links is helping you, not disrespecting you. Of course, if you're too lazy to do your own search, you're probably also too lazy to click on a link.
You recently posted this:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/792324
I don't know whether you consider that one of your "specific" questions, but you didn't specify price range, general location, type of food, etc. If you don't know what you want, how is anyone supposed to help you find it?
Permalink | Reply
I have replied and asked in many other boards and by the way got many recommendations based on the exact criteria in my thread.
I recently asked "I need Lexington Recs" received great recommendations and had a great experience. Basically I am asking locals whats good. Like I said never had a problem till now
"two or three star restaurant" do you think I am going to be like "wow that recommendation was really expensive: why did he recommend that?
OK I need a restaurant within 2.334 miles of the hotel Spain. Also I have 13 food allergies and one leg. I can only dine between 6:22 and 6:27
Permalink | Reply
I know that sometimes it gets tedious for longtimers on the board to see the same question asked over and over. Some of them are really gracious about it, and others get unmistakably annoyed. I do what I think is a reasonable search: I enter up to two different search terms if the first one wasn't fruitful, and I scan the first two pages of results.
If I don't find what I'm looking for within those parameters, I start a new thread, making sure to mention that I tried. I figure if the discussion's so old I have to wade through pages of results to get to it, it's ok to start afresh. Especially when you're asking about restaurants, where the dynamics and performance can change quite a bit over time.
Permalink | Reply
chris2269, When I read your post I was temped to answer you with a "do a search" as well. You asked a questions that get asked about every week on the Spain board. You were a bit vague, too. You should understand that certain boards suffer from tourist fatigue. Too many vague or repetitive questions and too few regulars makes for cranky chowhounds.
This is not pointed at you particularily, but there a lot people who come to local boards looking for lists of places to visit who don't do their homework first, never engage with the board users and never report back to add the board's knowledge base. This type of behaviour makes some long-time hounds weary of answering vague or generic questions. Why waste our time, if the group gets nothing out of it?
That being said, from reading your question, it looks like you really didn't do a search and are asking for us to play concierge for you. Perhaps that wasn't your intent, and maybe you did search the board. If that is the case then I think it's a good idea to let people know what places are on your radar as well as what your tastes are so that local hounds can steer you in the right direction. Asking something like "What's the best restaurant in your city" will most often get you generic answers you could just as well get from Yelp or Tripadvisor.
Permalink | Reply
You are partly right. I did do some research...it's just overwhelming; I have never been to Spain I did searches on Gayot...CH ..I did not use yelp and I wanted to come up with some really great choices for my friend. Instead I got attacked like I asked for someones first born..(not by anyone here I did report those and they were removed) I personally think (I am a member of a lot of internet communities and that's what I think they are communities..maybe I'm wrong and everything is wiki.)
II do not want to bother anyone if you do not have the time to say Chris here is what I think , that is fine...yet people have the time like I said to complain . I just do not get that.
I have done this tons of time on many boards because I travel with work. Never had a problem everyone has been very nice. Post on the One Countries board and somehow I am a *&^%
I used to live in Las Vegas for ten years or so...and I have been back many many times. There are at least 6 (being conservative there) posts a month about Las Vegas Steak houses. I see them and I respond with my two cents "hey based on what you posted here is what I think " and others chime in. Never in my mind am I like "How dare you come to a food board and ask a question " l
It is the whole I do not have time to answer your question....um OK was not forcing you. There are posts that go on for months here about who has better sushi in (Whatever) town. Yet people are bothered?
and yes this will get nuked...
Permalink | Reply
Chris, if you want to head off some of that type of non responsive reply, and at the same time increase your chances of getting cogent replies you might think about saying something along the lines of: "I've tried a few search terms (give examples) and gotten some returns (again, examples here). But I wonder if anyone has any other search terms or results that might give me better examples (again, examples if you have them)?" That sort of proactive, the best defense is a good offense, goes a long way toward getting veteran posters on your side from the get go. Just a suggestion should you find yourself in a similar situation in the future.
Permalink | Reply
Thanks Servorg I recognize you and have read many of your posts . i guess my main thing is I go out of my way on the So. Cal boards to be helpfull. My vitherall is not geared towards anybody here. I Just was trying to ask something for someone I want to have a good time and got jumped last night. (and credit to CH for deleting those posts)
If you need more information from a post of mine say hey Chris where are you staying? Do not be "Do A search" it is kind of like saying buy a watch when someone asks you the time ...so maybe my phone is in the car whatever, thanks for helping.
I just love CH and when people are rude it ruins it for me.
Permalink | Reply
What I'm sure you'll find happening in the future, after you've been around for a while, is that the same folks who were grumpy and less than helpful this last time will come galloping in on a big white charger and give you a bunch of good ideas the next time you ask for help.
Permalink | Reply
Often on my board someone will post pretty much the exact same thread as one posted a day earlier and I tell them to read a page or two threads then come back. Often it will get removed but often other member say the same thing.... its extremely annoying to have literally 20 'casual' bistro' posts a month.
Just the other day someone on one of the boards got extremely upset that someone sent them simply a thread that was the exact same question they were asking and demanded to know why they would be so disrespectful as to simply post a link to a thread.
Your post in particular would have been annoying for me because it shows absolutely no level of research and you don't specify even what type of food you like. These days I often just don't bother replying and see silly posts like that go with 0 replies...thats how it should be.
Permalink | Reply
and here is someone who came through....
Hello Chris!
Casual & fun (but not cheap) ticketsbar by the adria's brothers... It's the place of the moment
Michelin star: I don't think Barcelona has any 3* restaurants ...via veneto has 2* and superb food and service...also cinc sentits 1* is very requested and hard to get into for dinner but if not she can try lunch (very very worth it)
3rd: gelonch no Michelin star but it should have one!\
so ...........
Also in my post I say this is for a second party so kinda hard to say "what kind of foods I like". I do mention a horse radish sensitivity 3 kinds of restaurants and (gasp) for an opinion but apparently you did not do your research.
People not replying does not bother me. It is the people that take the time to say they can not take the time to reply.
"what are you doing?"
"Oh..I'm on an opinion board"
"whats wrong?"
"Someone just asked for my opinion"
"isn't that the point?"
"you Sir obviously do not know how the hierarchy and how the importance of my posts work....plus I must spend the next 3 hours writing a 15 paragraph review of the restaurant we went to last night"
"couldn't you just ignore it?"
"did you not hear what I just said?"
"Now I must spend time replying"
option 2
"what are you doing?"
"Oh...I'm on an opinion board"
"whats wrong?"
"Someone just asked me for my opinion"
"Isn't that the point?"
"Yes but the question was too vague so I am moving on."
option 3
"what are you doing?"
"Oh...I'm on an opinion board"
"whats wrong?"
"Someone just asked me for my opinion"
"Isn't that the point?"
"Yes it is"
Typing....."I would recommend X"
Permalink | Reply
Servorg,
Good suggestions on getting a better response ... but ...
If a poster can't say something helpful in response, don't say anything at all.
People should not feel compelled to tell someone to search ... move on.
Let the lack of response be the ... um ... punishment ... for asking a repetative question and doing no 'homework'.
Year ago when I moved to a new area, I learned first hand how difficult search can be. I've had a lot more empathy since then.
I've been in the same position a few times of doing zero research ... not even scrolling down. If I got a response I was happy. If not ... well, my problem.
Search is over rated, IMO. Posters should be able to ask any question at any time without being berated.
This month, I moved back to the SF Bay Area after a year in Guatemala. There was nothing I wanted more than a sandwich. The first post was too specifc with very few responses and those were trying to do an exact match.
OK ... I regrouped and simplified. Some of the responses were shameful. The most egregious were removed ... like telling me I was only gone a year and I needed to specifically list where I bought a good sandwich in the past so people would know my taste ... and why didn't I just go back to the places I was familiar with.
You know, I was exhausted and honestly could not remember a lot. I had a zillion things to do when I returned. I just wanted a sandwich ... at least no one told me to make my own.
I was harrased for a few posts about providing endless details. It was not the helpful sort of 'give us a little more detail' type questions.
I've been away from SF for a year. I haven't followed that board for the most part except for responses to old posts of mine ... and maybe catching one or two posts.
Actually, I'd like to ask some questions to find out what is new ... what has changed ... without having to go back and scan a year's worth of posts.
I can't be bothered. I can't deal with getting jumped on for asking a question ... however repetative.
And that is even knowing that most of the SF posters are helpful people. The few problem posters just don't make it worth it.
As a SF regular, I get burnout with repetative questions. If I'm in the mood, I'll answer. If not, sometimes I just chuckle and think "good luck getting an answer, buddy" ... and move on.
I answer enough questions to not feel guilty. I do my part to encourage new posters who I think will be good future contributors. If I don't feel compelled to answer every question and coach each poster. There's a great post from Jaquelynne at the top of the SF board for people interested enough in getting better responses.
And quite frankly, I'm not looking for anyone to dig up my sandwich posts and point out the perceived errors of my ways. I asked a question. Answer it or not. No answer ... I asked wrong.
Eventually I did get lots of great responses. So many that quite a few are on my to try list. Yet the unhelpful posts left a bad taste in my mouth.
So I'm with chris on this one.
Permalink | Reply
After one has been around CH long enough the following steps apply:
1. Denial and Isolation
You can't believe board regulars can be so mean spirited. Or, that so many can ignore you. Am I even breathing? I seem to be, but my post seems to have crapped out. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
2. Anger
As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger.
We'll show them!...Site Talk is about to get our pithy response to such complete and utterly unfounded silence!!
3. Bargaining
The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. We'll post again to Site Talk! This time we'll strike a more supplicants approach. Maybe not all the way down on both knees...but just on one knee. A forgiving tone perhaps? Yes! Yes, now we will bring them around with the very reasonableness of our argument.
4. Depression
Now, as the lack of any response looms before us sadness and regret predominate to our very core. We worry that no one will ever reply to one of our posts...EVER! We worry that, in our grief, we have spent less time replying to other hounds. If only we had helped more! If only we had showed them what wonderful recommendations we could have made on that post looking for nouveau Ethiopian/Chinese food. Dammit!!
5. Acceptance
Reaching this stage of CH posting is a gift not afforded to everyone. Replies to our posts may be sudden and unexpected (oh joy) or we may never see a single response. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression.
Yes...I am a fully formed Chowhound and I exalt in my replies! (not that there's anything wrong with not getting any, mind you!)... ;-D>
(with all due, heartfelt apologies to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and her followers)
Permalink | Reply
Heh. Doesn this mean as part of my 12 step program I have to go b ack and apoligize to everyone I wronged on Chowhound?
Permalink | Reply
somehow I never imagined reading a Kubler-Ross quote here. thanks!
Permalink | Reply
I'm with you, orange. Statistically, they are few and far between, but the posting police are often so vocal and persistent that some days it's downright annoying.
It's enough to send people yelping!!! :P
Permalink | Reply
There is a lot of fatigue on the San Francisco boards. And I am sure there are other boards that are the same. Seems that the question "Where shall I eat?" is posted weekly. I usually try to be helpful and and at least try and get more info, or post similar threads. Or I'll just mention my favorites and leave it at that. But, yes having someone say I'm overwhelmed, or I need something specific causes me to be more helpful.
If I'm feeling too grumpy, I just shut my mouth.
Permalink | Reply
I can see both sides of this, especially as someone who lives near a tourist city and sees the same requests over and over. It becomes repetitive to answer each request (where can we eat near the Smithsonians with kids) no matter how specific. How many times should locals have to answer, "Go to Hollywood East for dim sum" for the hundreds who don't search? It can get old, especially since it's there.
At the same time, the search feature is hard to navigate AND if there are a lot of questions on that topci, you can spend hours looking through the responses. I can't tell you how long I've spent on the Manhattan board to figure out the best places I'd want to go. It's overwhelming looking for just one thing, eg. pizza, let alone trying to plan a trip. I would find it much easier to post, "I'm looking for: pizza, dim sum, bagels, etc. What do you recommend?" than doing the work but that's pushing off my laziness and making others work for me. I've suggested there be one FAQ for questions boards see often--maybe ones that sum up current information. I think that would take constant board monitoring, though.
Anyway, if you're getting 99.999999% great responses, count your blessings. On a site with thousands of posters and thousands of questions, complaining about the .0000001% is more than seeing the glass half empty. I also think there are enough new posters on the boards who don't know that the search is available so being told that isn't necessarily someone trying to be rude, as much as someone trying to be helpful, as succinctly as they can. "Do a search" rather than "This question has been answered repeatedly on the board, with many long answers. If you do a search, you'll be able to find great responses, without everyone having to repeat themselves again."
Permalink | Reply
After posting this, I just came across this post on the DC board. I think it shows an ideal request--the person is specific, has done work, explains what he/she likes and doesn't like.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/793410
Permalink | Reply
oh yes! I too was impressed by the OP, (and I think you and I may have had a few post deleted, although, that might be another thread) I was of the 'ehh do a search 20 people have asked this in 5 days' crowd, now I just ignore 'em, but that was a well posted question.
if I'm in a good mood I might try to provide CH links to those boards, and if not, wonder why am I doing somebody else's footwork that is universally available?
Permalink | Reply
I think in a touristy area, we'll get that more, too. It can be especially frustrating when there's a current thread going with the exact same question on the top of the board. I've never told anyone to "do a search", fwiw, because as I said, I think the search function is hard to navigate.
Permalink | Reply
We've got the summer tourists in full swing now. There is such a difference in being willing to respond to "I've searched and found a thread from 2010. Any updates?" Or I *tried* to search but..." versus "What's good on the coast?"
Permalink | Reply
yes HD, a MAJOR difference.
Permalink | Reply
to clarify I was referring to the thread Chowser reffed http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/793410
Permalink | Reply