I don't think i was lecturing, i thought i was reminding and imho i don't think that all the members do know the search button exists.
We'll have to disagree on the second point, how many websites much less forums, websites have you visited without a 'search' button. In my view, if you can locate the login button, and/or have edited your profile, you are aware of the search button I believe as I say it's a conscious choice to post a question.
But anyway, here's one for you
http://www.starterupsteve.com/swf/posting.html
So why is it that some long term members who have been constantly reminded of the search button still never use it to find the information they want?
For example last Saturday morning a member was in difficulty whilst trying to fit a set of rear l.e.d's before the heavens opened up, he had also just finished a night shift, strangely so had i but luckily for him i logged on here too early on saturday morning also having just finished a night shift. He was asking a question that as been addressed on here many times, if he had known about the search button he would have found the info he required,instead luckily for him i pointed him in the right direction at a time when very few people were on-line
So a reminder of the search button facility, may help you at a time when other's cant.