Jude,
I think that we have to stop making excuses for the newbs' poor preparation. Why should anyone on this post have to do the searching for the newbs? You are saying that if the newb doesn't search, we should and then post that prior topic for them to read. Should we also read it to them. That IS the next step.

I teach students that are in high school. I, and other teachers, find that these excuses for people being lazy only encourages those behaviors. I don't think anyone is asking alot on this forum by expecting the newbs to do a LITTLE research and searching before they ask a question.

Bill