StackOverflow's (and many other forums') solution to search noise is to avoid duplicates. There are a few major issues with that approach: 1. The question ask

StackOverflow's (and many other forums') solution to search noise is to avoid duplicates. There are a few major issues with that approach: 1. The question asker probably doesn't know there clearest way to phrase the question, so they are ill-equipped to find duplicates before asking. 2. The question asker may ask a totally unique question that really ends up boiling down to a duplicated answer. Does that mean their question was simply an abstract duplicate? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, usually something in between. 3. The solution to a question asker's problem is often the answer to a totally different question. So their problems get answered, and their question goes into limbo. Now the next person dutifully searches the original question, and must waste time reading the answers to someone else's problems. Then they go ask the question again, and it gets marked as a duplicate! --- So what can we do about it? I think the answer is actually more pedantry, but with better paths. Give the pedants somewhere satisfying to go. In situations where the asker's problems were answered, but the question is not, the question should be rephrased/edited. In situations where a duplicate question is asked, just merge them. In situations where a duplicate answer is given, have both questions clearly reference (link to) each other. Maybe even structure answers as separate objects that questions can point to.