A couple notes:

1) A slightly improved search is coming. We're also researching a more permanent solution. I can say that we understand that the search functionality is critical here and we are doing everything we can to make the search as good as possible.

2) While I've considered image uploads, in the end with all the free image services that are available, it's really hard to justify. I'd guess you won't see that functionality here. You can always encourage someone to upload a screenshot and point them to one of the free services if they don't have any of their own web space.

3) We are *always* looking for ways to decrease the number of 0 reply threads. If you have any new ideas on how we can do this, please do share them.

Thanks,
--jeremy

First off, I'm a little surprised/embarassed by the size of this thread as I get up this morning. I think this is the first time a thread I started reached the second page.

On zero reply threads: I probably answer about 10/day. I generally answer those where I'm not just going to ask for more information: where the OP gave me SOMETHING to go on. I do my best to help people get answers. Problem is, there are probably 300 new threads a day, maybe more. (There have been nearly 200 since I started this thread).

I encourage all of our members to try to answer just *ONE* thread per day. I know you all have lives (unlike me ) and other obligations, but if you can find 15 minutes per day, then you can help someone out. Or answer 2-3 questions on the weekend.

The zero replies search is a daunting and never-ending task. But much like water behind a dam, we don't want to get rid of it all, just hold it at bay.

jeremy - perhaps you could add a link to something like http://imageheap.com/ on the new thread and post reply page with a bit of blurb like "LQ does not support uploading attachments but if you would like to link to a screenshot or other image which may help this thread we would reccomend ImageHeap".

david_ross, do we really want to recommend a specific service?

--jeremy

I would suggest that, rather than specify a particular service, either list the top ten or a google search and let members decide.

Searching is an art form, most certainly. It takes skills to handle a searchbar. But sometimes it does not matter how good you are, the algorithm won't get you good results. I am not sure if Jeremy, or anyone else, has the time and skill to take a deep look at the search algorithm, but if anyone would, it may change everything quite a bit. If we would get a good search that would show simular threads, we may be able to give it more exposure (like also doing a search between user pressing "post" and actual input into database, if anything simular found, the user should be "warned" and have to check a button and press "continue", or something).

I also think that when we answer (or not) we must know that not only do we answer the OP, but we may also help a lot of other people around the web. Many people will search LQ or Google to find answers without posting on their own. OP's should also be aware of this. If you have a problem and then get it fixed on your own, please just don't post "ok, I got it working!". A post like that is a pain in the a** when someone else is have the same problem you had. So post how do did to get it working, it will help other people out really much.

Regards.

I was just suggesting a single service so it wouldn't confuse people, suggesting 10 would probably clutter up the page.

The only reason I suggested ImageHeap is that there is no signup process and the ads a pretty unobtrusive.

It's not something I have a need for myself and I'm obviously not affiliated with them or anything.

Ephracis, the "similar thread" functionality is available both when posting new threads and when viewing threads.
david_ross, that service seems pretty nice actually. I'd say it may be a viable option. Anyone against it? The one problem I see is:
--jeremy

If you take another look at my post you may notify that I was talking about improving the algorithm for finding these "simular threads". And if it would be improved enough I would suggest that we show it more for posters (in case their thread has most certainly being asked before), by for example putting it in front of them when they post. This will though require a bit more advanced algorithm, so I don't know.

Maybe you have too little resources to spend it on something to find "simular threads" for people.

Would it be too obnoxious to have the "Submit" button on new threads really just be the "search for similar threads" functionality?

Jeremy, what we have at some of the forums I go to is a list of 5 or so latest threads, its right at the top so you can't miss it. Look at overclock.net (see image) . Instead of having the latest posts, could we put in a posts with 0 replies? And have it randomly shuffle through all the 0 posts within 48 hours. It would let people see who needs help the most.


Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting

I'm wondering how much storage/bandwidth would be needed for these images. If it's not too much, I might be able to provide some service for LQ. I need to do some thinking on the usage first.

LQ already has that... Top of the forums page you are greeted with:

There have been 74 threads and
102 posts since your last visit.
Would you like to become a Contributing Member?
Have you entered your hardware into the HCL?
View New Posts - View Threads with 0 Replies

You can select to view all new posts since your last visit or post with 0 replies...

KC

aysiu, yes I think so.

--jeremy

You know, I think a lot of members are actually very good with searching for relevant threads before posting new threads. And even so, I can't imagine a search that is really capable of determining if two threads are the same.