Locking posts actually annoy more then just the newby. Imagine someone on the board wanting to reply to their question. They spend 5 minutes answering, only to find out it's been locked by the time they hit send. It's the absolute worst thing any forum can do. I applaud this board for leering away from that. Locking posts that are pointless are fine. I think an image/phrase at the top of all forums could work (I hate sticky's). Attach the search hyperlink to it as well. Something catchy like the "Be kind, please rewind" catch phrase. So how about....
Before you press send, can you search beforehand?
The answers are here, just search and be clear.
If you've searched all day, post away!
Got Search?
Be kind and keep neat. Search before you repeat.
The answers are near, press the search button here.
For sh*ts and giggles...
Before you provoke, search you frickin' bloke!
If you're looking for answers, search first you damn b@$t@rd!
If you need answers quick, press the search button D***!
How can you have any pudding if you don't search here first?
Bling bling, search dis thing.
My FAVORITE!
Press here if you hate the French. <- this'll get everyone to search.
