Not many people post the solutions on here.

Not all problems can be solved on a forum, so using tech support can be necessary.

Some symptoms can have a variety of possible causes. Indeed an experienced user can sometimes easily see that a few problems are very different when the user who "me too's" a thread thinks their problem is identical.

If you can't find the answer to the problem you're looking for then don't be afraid to open a new thread.

Do note that the Duo v2 is a new product (available from Nov 13 2011) so there's a limited number of threads about it at this stage (though of course over time many old threads can become obsolete and not useful due to changes in firmware).

Another aspect is that lots of people with problems clearly haven't taken the time to even look at the existing knowledge database or the manual. Reposting solutions to the same problems over and over (possibly with some mis-information mixed in) is probably not that useful. And if the problem was solved by tech support, the poster usually doesn't know exactly what was done.

As far as the v2 goes, the fact that it is brand new means that there aren't that many folks here that have one, so obviously there will be less community help. Though we are already seeing a lot of confusion over whether a Duo is a v1 or v2. It might have been better if Netgear had branded the new ARM line more distinctly.

I think it is always the case that some people in the community are more active in helping than others. This is a very active forum, just keeping up with the posts takes a fair amount of time. I agree with onesell that It is great that there is a reasonably large "hardcore" group that is willing to help out.

What I see as a key issue for Netgear and this forum is the reality that for many-if-not-most people the NAS is a mystery. And once people read the docs and post on the boards and learn enough to get the thing working, they then breathe a sigh of relief until it doesn't do what they want, and then they have to re-learn it all over again. And if Frontview doesn't give them exactly what they want, well then there's Linux which for most is a mystery-wrapped-in-an-Enigma! :o

I have the time to keep in touch with this Board and do so in order to not "lose my edge" i.e. I'm trying not to forget what I've learned about the ReadyNAS, and helping others is one more way to stay connected.

maxblack wrote:
..... well then there's Linux which for most is a mystery-wrapped-in-an-Enigma!

It certainly is for me.

One of the most common problems on any computer related help forum is that once a user has the problem solved, to them their problem is solved, and they simply do not think to post back even that it is solved. I would say that well over half of all discussions just terminate after the last suggestion which may have solved the problem, but one does not know. Then you have some that tried that, but it didn't work but they putzed around with it and got it to work, but don't post back, maybe because they are not sure of what really solved it.

I agree that there is a hard core of knowledgeable and very helpful individuals. One of whom I will call out is mdgm. I simply do not understand how he can spend the time he does on here and his knowledge is broad and deep. Three others who have a broad and deep knowledge, but don't seem to have as much time dbotts67, sphardy and TeknoJnky. We are indeed blessed with the presence of these gentlemen on this forum and their willingness to help others.

I try to help when I can, but on the technical questions I pass on. I am more of a typical user, although I have had a ReadyNAS for years, by training and experience, I am a retired accountant, and more of a power user.