It seems to be a growing thread in this forum lately to believe that it is somehow alright to unmercifully flame new users. How this idea came about or where it got started I do not know, but it will end now.

Just because a user is new does not mean that they deserve your abuse. Just because you have a higher post count does not give you permission to abuse them.

I realise that new users sometimes ask common questions, don't check the FAQ or appear knowledgable but that is because they are new and just learning. How would you feel if you asked a question and then received two pages of abuse because of it? They come here for help and advice and what they get is to be treated like garbage. This is absolutely unacceptable.

From now on, new users are to be treated with respect. If you do not have something constructive to say, then don't say it. Anyone found leading or participating in attacks on new users will be dealt with immediately. Anyone who witnesses such an attack is encouraged to use the "Report To Moderator" function.

It is worth mentioning that this is also against the forum rules. For your convenience I have quoted the relevant sections below:

Above all, no flames, personal attacks, insults or racism.
Under no circumstances is a user to ever flame, attack or insult another. Violation of this will result in the post/thread being edited/deleted/closed, and the offender will get a warning. If repeat offenses take place, then the a ban will be issued. Racism will result in an immediate ban. This forum tries to be a friendly place, and there is no room for those who cannot follow this simple and common sense rule.

"Post whoring" and pointless posting will not be tolerated.
All posts and threads must be on topic and relevant. This is the 2nd Gen Tech forum, not the 2nd Gen Lounge. Pointless and non-contributing replies will be deleted without warning. Off topic threads will be moved or closed, depending on the content of the thread. Please keep any off topic discussion to the other forum areas, or take it to private messages. If you are found to be constantly making unhelpful and pointless replies or threads, you will be warned. Repeat offenses may necessitate a ban. This forum is currently cluttered with useless garbage, and it will stop NOW.

Another problem area are the "search *****". The search feature of this forum is a wonderful thing and contains a huge knowledgebase that has taken years to accumulate. Often it is very helpful to direct someone to the search as they can easily find their answer and plenty of other relevant information that will help them. However is is unacceptable to just answer a post with "search", "search noob", "search or die" and the like. If you are going to tell someone to search, do so in a kind and respectful way. In fact I have found that it takes almost exactly the same amount to perform the search for them and give them the link that it does to write a useless "search now!" post.

I quote again from the forum rules:

If you are going to tell someone to search, do it in a kind and respectful manner.
Posts such as "SEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!" and "search n00b" are unacceptable. If you suggest to someone that they should use the search feature to answer their question, do it in a way that is actually helpful. Give them a set of search terms that you know will bring up what they want, or do the search for them and provide a link to the results. There's no reason to be rude or condescending. If a mod finds that a user is doing nothing but telling others to search, then a warning will be issued. If the behavior continues, more serious action may be taken.

Just posting "search" simply clogs up the search next time someone looks for the same information. If one person points the poster to the FAQ or search in a thread, that is enough. 23 replies all saying the same thing are not helpful in the least.