Many of the off-topic and didn't search first messages turn out to be from a new account. Sometimes it's from someone who got their first reliable connection as a result of attending a school or university. In the past, I have sent a "welcome" message with help offered to get started. As you say, this gets old.

It would be far better if any new member was advised that "the temporary password for your new account is in your email". This would discourage throw-away accounts, and wouldn't join people who aren't telling the truth about who they are.

Most importantly, this would give an opportunity for a private welcome e-mail. This e-mail would include posting guidelines, and a pointer to the 8052 Bible. In the process of receiving their password (at the bottom?) they at least have to read the guidelines even if they eventually decide to ignore them.

But, I believe that people are basically good, and if offered a way to smoothly join a community such as this, most will accept it. If we choose to make it easy, it will benefit us and the new member.

Of course, I don't know if the software in this Forum supports these features.