Duplicate threads always seem to be an issue here. I understand how duplicate threads can happen, because sometimes it is hard to find the thread you are searching for, when you don't remember the exact wording.
My suggestion as a way to solve this would be to lock the new thread after posting a link to the older thread. This way, if someone is inspired by, and wants to comment on the topic, they can do so without people needing to post twice on the same topic.
There are some threads that have been treated that way in the past.
No need having two asking for the exact same thing, but if you ask about something similar I think linking to the other threads without locking is a better idea.
If you notify what threads you're thinking about to the moderators I'm sure they'll think it over and decide if it should be locked or not.
(I'm more of a Chat room mod.)
It's really not such a big deal.
Have you ever gone to a new forum, and searched all the threads for one similar to the one you wish to post? I haven't. It happens.
