Unfortunately, I suspect not.

I suspect it would go more like this:

1. Newbie creates new accout;
2a. System sends introductory e-mail;
2b. Meanwhile, newbies goes ahead and posts well-worn questions;
3. If we're lucky, Newbie later reads the email;
4. If we're really lucky, Newby follows its advice

I think a better way would be to walk the new member through a set of introductory screens, something like this:

1. New account created, displays the "Welcome" page - background & purpose of 8052.com
2. New member has to click a 'Next' button to get to the next page - maybe the forum rules
3. New member has to click a 'Next' button to get to the next page - maybe the details of the Tutorials, FAQs, Search, etc
4. New member has to click a 'Next' button - only then would the 'Post New Message' option become available.


There is already something like this for adding to the FAQ section:
http://www.8052.com/faqs.phtml

If you click the 'Add to FAQ' link, you get to a page telling you not to post questions:
http://www.8052.com/faqsadd.phtml

You have to select either 'No, I don't know the answer' - which takes you to the forum - or 'YES, I know the answer to the question I want to post'


I suggest that creating a new thread on the forum should be similar:

The 'Start New Thread' link should not go straight to the New Thread form; Instead, it should go to a page saying "Have you searched?" with Yes/No links;
The 'No' Link would take you to the 'Search' page; the 'Yes' Link would take you to a page saying "Have you checked the 'bible', data sheet, App Notes, etc?" with Yes/No links;

... and so on.

Suggested pages to include:
"Is this your Homework/Class assignment?" (with explanation of policy on this)
"Have you checked the FAQs?"
"Have you read the Tutorial?"
"Have you checked the Code Library?"
"For general 'C' question, have you checked http://c-faq.com ?"
"For compiler/tool-specific questions, have you checked the manuals?" (and emphasise the need for complete make, model, and version in any post)

Sure, it would make starting a new thread more difficult - but it certainly seems to be too easy at the moment