re Pete M, 16 Feb, and the message above his:
If "Is a new thread the best way...?" is too off-putting, the message could simply start off "Please read this information before creating your thread". Or someone else will come up with something both pleasant and attention-grabbing. It seems several Mudcatters do think some additional instructions would be worthwhile: see the discussion at the welcome thread
The suggestion wouldn't involve any extra keystrokes beyond what 'regulars'already do, i.e. check the database first.
There's no rush to do the actual page design [though Joe-O has made a start]; first step is a decision on whether to add a notice, next the various suggestions on wording have to be sorted through. But if Max is capable of designing the software described by Rich R, he can do 'most anything!