It's good to talk ... isn't it?

[Richard M]

Google doesn't BS.

[ian@huth]

One thing that is missing in the poll is the option to use the "search" facility on the site. It is one thing to talk about things on CF but should you start a new conversation (thread) or join an existing one. My feeling is that you should use the search facility and if a thread exists that discusses your problem then use that thread. Sometimes though you find an existing thread that is so out of date or gone off topic that your contribution becomes lost and unanswered and starting a new thread is the only way to get a response. This is particularly true if you post in a thread that has gone off topic but is being posted to quite heavily and your post is the last one on a page. It gets overlooked and vanishes into oblivion.

[Mal]

For people like me, who aren't that techy, it's nice to talk to people who'll explain it in simple terms.

[Gareth]

I try to use both wherever possible.... I'll start by searching Google, and if I'm still unsure or have any doubts, I'll ask opinions from others here.... depending upon the subject matter, of course. I don't tend to bother you guys with my toe nail fungus problems

This is, as pointed out, a discussion forum, but sometimes you think it could be easier for people to look up stuff for themselves. I remember a thread about international calling codes that was answered here. I'm not sure it's something that'll be that relevant for many others, and to me suggested a certain amount of laziness.

Just my 2 cents of a â‚ ¬

To post or not to post, that is the question....

• Goooooooogle is my friend.
• Real people are my friend. I'd rather talk about it at CF.
• I really don't care.

Am i the only person that would query the difference between option 1 and option 2 as answers?

While i understand that using google....... or dirty googling (as it's called in the trade ) ............or any other search engine for answers isn't exactly the same as posting on a forum, it's still electronic and can be just as static.
While i don't mean to cause offence, i would have thought an option that didn't include electronic interaction would have had more impact when describing 'real' people
There isn't an option for talking to friends, family, priest etc or work colleagues...... especially since the 'help' that is needed may not be I.T based.......... as has been mentioned already elsewhere, the Lifestyle threads are very popular and i've seen all manner of emotional and other type of advice asked for

Would the people that have voted for google or real people/CF as a first option really go there/here first?

Originally Posted by theblueraja

How about a its good to talk but google should be checked first option.

Sounds good to me.

Especially since often the answer from posting on here is gained from google anyway...!

Originally Posted by Graham

Sounds good to me.

Especially since often the answer from posting on here is gained from google anyway...!

Cut and paste (CAP) is the new CAB

It depends entirely on what the 'problem' actually is.

I frankly would not come here and ask for help of a personal nature.I'd rather phone family and friends,talk to himindoors(if he is in a listening mood),see a doctor or just generally talk to myself about the situation.

I give myself good advice by the way!!!

If it's a techy problem that himindoors can deal with(electrics,DIY,repairs) then that's not a problem.Anything else I will ask here or visit h2G2 and do a search there(or ask the researchers in Ask h2g2), then I'll google as a last resort because Google isn't always as picky as I'd like.

If I'm seeking images then I'd use Google or the specific sites I've been recommended by others.