Profile updates - XL version

We regularly encounter threads started by long time members whom have not ( for various reasons) updated their XL version ( when applicable of course). And, also regularly, one of the first questions asked is " Are you still using XL...?If not,...". This of course wastes time for the OP and for the member answering. To limit this problem ( which will never be entirely solved), perhaps we could add a new banner (if there still is room) asking the members to update their profile AND add the date updated next to the version. Doing so would probably provide the OP a faster answer and avoid some unnecessary posts?
Cheers

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Just use the canned question - Experts have access to canned replies. I don't think it's worth a banner - how many times do we still have to ask members for a sample worksheet???

@Pepe Le Mokko although I agree with your take on this issue, a banner won't solve it. We have a banner telling people the importance of attaching a file. The only benefit is now instead of giving instructions for attaching a file I just say "see the yellow banner". But people just don't read the banners. They don't read the rules until they break one. They don't read.

Unfortunately it's going to get more and more important. Given the various subscription models for O365... someone's up-to-date version may be months behind the Current Channel.

Add to that the tendency of IT sections to prefer the abacus to the PC... some folk, whose updates are controlled by IT Branch, may be even further behind the Current Channel.

As we know, but I don't think the banner works except where people's attention is drawn to it, so you still have to say something. Might as well just use the canned reply wherever the version is not specified.

If we ever upgrade to XenForo (there have been rumours for a long time that we might ...) then you can set parameters in the user profile to prompt a version number.

Originally Posted by AliGW

you can set parameters in the user profile to prompt a version number.

You can require them to provide a version, but there is no way to require that whatever they enter is up-to-date with their actual version, unless you prompt them every time they post.

OK. Bad idea.

Originally Posted by 6StringJazzer

... unless you prompt them every time they post.

That's why I prefer the canned message.

Originally Posted by Pepe Le Mokko

OK. Bad idea.

Not a bad idea, just not an easy one to resolve, and banners don't really work.

Originally Posted by Pepe Le Mokko

OK. Bad idea.

It's a good idea, and it's important. But we are dealing with human behavior.