So, I was under the impression that SO was for those that have already tried google and have not found a suitable answer. However, about 90% of the time, I just get people giving me links from google searches I've alredy done, to articles I've already read.

What are we to do about this? I'd like SO to be great, but it seems all people are trying to do is up their rep.

Edit:
Many have pointed out that the burden is on me... I should ask people not to give lame answers by saying stuff like "I've seen these links", and "tried this and that". However, I strongly feel that the "comptetive edge" of SO overflow is that I can get great analysis from smart programmers, not just a compliation of links - google is much better at that.

Also, from listening to J&J, the kind of questions we want here, are the ones that are not answered by google, right?

Another Edit:
I've been convinced. To get great answers, I must ask more detailed questions. Thanks for the great conversation.

I was under the impression that SO was for those that have already tried Google and have not found a suitable answer. However, about 90% of the time, I just get people giving me links from Google searches I've already done, to articles I've already read.

What are we to do about this? I'd like SO to be great, but it seems all people are trying to do is up their rep.

Many have pointed out that the burden is on me. I should ask people not to give lame answers by saying stuff like "I've seen these links", and "tried this and that". However, I strongly feel that the "competitive edge" of Stack Overflow is that I can get great analysis from smart programmers, not just a compilation of links - Google is much better at that.

Also, from listening to J&J, the kind of questions we want here, are the ones that are not answered by google, right?