There are probably 3 differnet threads with exactly the same thing going on in other parts of the site. Cant you leave the How-To forum to be just that, for how-to type of discussions?
Okay this just piqued my interest. This is the How To Board where open minded people post for information, support and quite often a sense of community. It's a great place to come when you're seeking others opinions and help, which if I'm not mistaken muddpuppy just did in a polite, appropriate way. If similar threads are currently active on other boards around the site, that's fine. It in no way effects whether this thread can be here. So why the slap on the wrist to a new poster?
I agree with you Kiss Me. There's no reason why the same question can't be asked on several different boards...just as long as it's not by the same person....that tends to just get annoying.
Anyway....Muddpuppy...to sort of answer your question...there are sometimes telltale signs...no eye contact, slight changes in responses to the same questions like the person can't remember what they told you last time, and a bunch of other personal signs....Other than that though, I can't offer you much in way of a response...I guess it all really depends on the person.