Duplicate questions

Question

Why is it such a big deal if a question has been already asked? I get it we are trying to prevent too much spam but sometimes people want to ask a question again for more opinions or differemt answers from different people. Every has a different way of explaining. Some people may already use the search but the answers may not necessarily make sense to them so they feel they need to re ask it to get another answer in different words. I will use an example. Somebody already created a book in C++ basics, so does that mean there is no need for new books on the same topic? I just wanted to throw it out there because a lot questions seem to get attacked with "that is a duplicate question".

Answer 1

Yes, we need to be very careful when we flag a question as [duplicate] 😊 Things to take in mind before doing so:

- If the question is exactly the same as an existing one, and it's also getting too similar answers, then you can tell that person didn't search before posting here and it should be marked as duplicate.

- If the phrasing of the question is the same as an existing one, but they attach the link to the existing thread(s) and mention that none of the given answers worked for him/her then it may not be marked as duplicate.

- There are a lot of beginners here that are really just starting out and haven't learned to "do their research first", and some don't even know places like StackOverflow exist. As programmers-in-the-making it's better they start making the "search on google or the Q&A" a habit.

- Some questions solicit opinions rather than a specific and definitive answer. They might require more up-to-date or descriptive answers so it's up to moderators' judgement.

Answer 2

Fabio Rocha..
Yes.. you are right✔
Also answers may be given by old users
Value based questions should be not marked duplicate.

Answer 3

You have a good point there bro. I think it's because so many people DON'T actually try to search first, and just post the same question. Some people do it to try to earn badges too, so yeah, there's some complicated stuff like that. Yesterday for example, there was 3 people who asked the same question, and didn't even bother to check, so that does get kind of annoying for everybody. Hope that helps. Cheers!

Answer 4

Fabio Rocha you made a good point with the book comparison. I think improving the search box to offer suggestions of similar questions might help. I also think a FAQ or frequently asked questions section might help as well. I would love to hear more possible solutions to this issue if anyone thinks of some.

Answer 5

Yeah, that's right. If somebody seems genuine enough (for example if they searched and can't find the answer still), then they usually say something to the effect of "I've searched already, but still can't find the answer, etc... " So, that's another key too.

Answer 6

Anthony Quick I see your point. Yeah, there is pros and cons. Some people may legitimately try to get another answer because what they searched did not make sense to them but at the same try others do not even try to search or just try to earn badges. I guess one way is to mention it in the question that I already tried to search but it still does not make sense

Answer 7

Really you are right 👍😊

Answer 8

One point that I'd like to mention: Won't it be feasible to get your doubts cleared on a thread that already exists with a good amount of response and is based on the topic of your choice? Isn't that also a viable solution instead of putting up an entirely separate Q/A post for it? If your views differ, say it out.
BTW, speaking for myself, I never tell anyone straight to the face that their post is a duplicate.

Answer 9

https://www.sololearn.com/Discuss/1202710/?ref=app

and this should be next to the button where you submit your question.https://code.sololearn.com/W7X805sc4DPC/?ref=app

Answer 10

Rahul George That is one way but replying to an old thread might not get as many responses

Answer 11

Yeah. I agree with Rahul George. If there is already a thread for a question, future inquiry into the subject should go into that thread. there should be enough responses to get a new answer

Answer 12

Pao That was a perfect explanation, imo

Answer 13

agree with you