I really like Howard's moderator message that he bumps to the top regularly. Maybe all forums should do this plus maybe the there could be a short reference to searching the forum included in these intros to the forums. Also there could be a link to the search page or maybe the FAQ on searching.

Also maybe moderators could modify their signitures so they always mention a reference to the search feature & the FAQ on this topic.

Last thought, maybe someone like Jooel could develop a more effective search tool that we advertise & encourage newbees to use.

Right now the "search" feature is always visible. We can not force newbees to find it & the FAQs. No matter what we do some will miss these features.
_________________________
Jack