Do these comments sound familiar?

"We've been over this before. See the thread here: (link to thread line from 6+ months ago)"
"You might want to use the search function"

Over the last couple months, I've noticed a number of our newest members posting a thread or observation, only to be met by a comment similar to above.

But at the same time, I've noticed a number of threads being ressurected from the past by - you guessed it - a new member. These tend to be met with hoots of
"Zombie Thread!"
"Dead thread alert!"
And the more ambigious tone of "Please check the thread date."

Sometimes I wonder what a new member is to do.