Posted by spoc on April 21, 2004, at 7:21:47
In reply to Re: one more thing » Dr. Bob, posted by terrics on April 20, 2004, at 8:08:40
> It is often helpful to many posters if a med question is re-posted. There is often new info. It is also like a refresher course. terrics
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Definitely new info is a good thing to ask about, as I stated in my process suggestions. But not even a fraction of the collective knowledge of the board to date will come with each refresher, nor even a controlled and representative sample of it. It will be random and largely even a matter of luck. For example, if no one presently perusing the board had much info on it; or had already re-posted it several times and realized by now that their data is rarely accessed by successive inquirers; or with the season the board was simply slower than usual (like now), etc. But even readers of the current thread may assume that the refresher was balanced.What I suggested is just that -- a suggestion, and the ideal, for those who do want the best info on their question. I do understand that using this process is not something most will or even can do. But it's worth saying, as it is clearly in their own best interests when possible, rather than a proposal to somehow take something away from them.
With the really common and rehashed subjects, it's more likely that each successive reinitiation of it will receive less data. If that poster had first looked at other recent data, they could even reinitiate the subject this time using some of the other links they found. That would regenerate interest, and provide potential starting places. Here's a case in point, using a subject less common here than some, but one that is pretty common for depressed people in general to become curious about at some point. In looking for medical causes, they may hear the theory that their dental fillings may be causing their depression. A re-poster would never get to see an effort like this:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020517/msgs/107565.html(General note: if the article referrenced in a post is no longer at that direct link, it will often still be available somewhere at that site. Use the 'search' option available at most.)
poster:spoc
thread:333421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040307/msgs/338327.html