I don't know if this has been brought up before, but if it has, just please politely tell me:
Ok, this idea is another attempt to stop the "What are merits" etc. threads. I was thinking that there could be a bar, and you could type in a simple question like "What are merits." Then, a page comes up that shows you the answer OR gives you a link to where you can find out. The same with other simple questions like "What is AP" and other things. Whatcha think?
It's a very cool idea (i.e. ASK JEEVES was pretty lame, but hey, he still directed to right links). I'd like to see it most definitely, but then there are two problems: coding (unless AG partnered with Yahoo! just for the search function) and the fact that people might not necessarily use it.
A lot of new people disregard stickied threads and ask their question anyway, it seems inevitable. But there's definitely nothing wrong with trying it out (well, time wasted, etc. but still worth it, no?)
Really, the search idea could have other applications, like finding a thread you posted on earlier, but if it doesn't turn into reality, it wouldn't matter to me.
LOL Skater. Anyway, I doubt anyone reads the help page. I know I didn't =D 9/10 new players want to get AP right away, spam or not.
Well, members ignorance to find the answers on their own is kind of their own fault then. We have made sure to put the Help page in a very visible spot, and include a FAQ. And yet, most people don't even use it. Seems silly to go and make an entirely new complicated system just because people are too lazy to go and click the 'Help' link.