Question about Questions
(My below questions are numbered 1 - 4)
Warning: Interpretation with written words can be difficult for getting intention since you cannot hear tone, see body language, demeanor, etc. I assure you this below question post (with some example items for context) was done with great respect to put the thoughts and questions into perspective only and this is not a rant.
- I wonder why so many duplicate questions make it to be triaged by humans on Stack Exchange in certain communities so frequently in the unanswered queues?
It's like the showdown to see who can find the quickest duplicate question and\or correlated answer on SE with a quick Google search, internal SE search, or some hook or funnel into the backend perhaps, etc. finding and posting hyperlinks in comments (and answers sometimes).
- If the title field auto-populate feature, or the similar question auto-populate feature when creating a new question, doesn't list something relevant and sufficient for you, then why do so many "people" always refer to "potential" duplicate with a hyperlink?
Is there a Solution (my suggestion (more questions))
It seems a bit deficient, when people focus attention on finding (or having to post) "potential" duplicate questions and/or answers rather than concentrating on the "greatest" answer they could give.
- If it's an obvious duplicate, then why not force the OP to say "no this Q&A does NOT help me with this question" so please allow it to be posted for others to advise or assist???
- Could there be logic or some type of flow implemented that enforces the option as indicated in the above paragraph (i.e. "why not force the OP to say")?
The answerer\replier should feel confident that the OP already saw the most "obvious" and "already answered and accepted" answer(s) specifically checking that it didn't help (and perhaps a little flag or something to indicate if they tick it as (this post or Q&A) NOT helpful).
I'm understanding
Yes, I'm very understanding and some slipping through the cracks seems reasonable, so even if it helps 1 out of 5 or something, it'd potentially. . .
Potential Upsides of a Solution
cut down on people asking questions from having to wait for someone to tell you "possible duplicate" look "here", and force the person to acknowledge at least that the top 2-3 similar posts that auto-populated were not helpful in their particular instance
cut down potential duplicates from even hitting the unanswered queues
be helpful in getting more upvotes on great "answers" (and questions) in similar posts that already exist giving even more incentive for great answers to everyone
My Expectation (I may have set it to high)
I will expect to get some "great" answers here on this question and all deserving will get my upvote but I'm looking for the "greatest" feedback of them all that can be given so please don't hesitate to put your answer on here regardless as I plan to look over them all with great detail!!