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I'm not sure what can be done about this, but there is a problem with people reviving old threads. The way this goes, is someone, usually a newbie, will start browsing thru the threads, which will all look new to them. They will add another post to the thread without checking the dates. So now, others will come in and the thread will be highlighted with new activity. Time is now wasted by several people.
There are several potential solutions to this, though I don't know what v-bulletin offers. One solution is to mark threads as dormant so they don't appear to newbies in the lists of threads. I would recommend marking any threads with no activity for a minimum of 3 and a maximumm of 6 months. Another possibility is to tie something to the Post Reply and Quote buttons. when these buttons are pressed check to see when the last activity was if it was more than 3 or 6 months, prompt the user with a message like:
This thread has been dormant for x months. Are you sure you want to add to it?
Another option would be for the thread originator to be able to close the thread.
Still another option would be a notice to newbies to be careful about checking dates.
But I would like to see something done to prevent these old threads from being revived.
I've not read every word of every post here, so please note - this is my opinion based only on the original post:
** We need to keep focus on AMHD as a resource...so reviving old threads is not always a bad thing...especially if it can be answered. Even an old question with an answer is good to keep around.
** I suggest never closing a question. An unanswered question sitting there is not a good "promotion" for an answer-site.
** I think the settings should be
a. delete any post that goes unanswered for 9 months.
b. leave any post that is answered indefinately. # of answered questions is one of the top stats to measure the success of the site, right?
Yeah. It took a hack, but it wasn't that bad. Now I'm thinking of deleting all posts that go unanswered till closing. Sound good?
If, by "unanswered till closing", you mean the 3 months, I would agree. I think Rick is right about unanswered questions not looking good.
While I don't disagree with him that reviving old threads is not always bad, I think the bad WAY outweighs the good. Most of the time revived threads happen for one of three reasons; a) a newbie comes in and sees the thread as new and doesn't check the dates so adds an answer, b) a newbie comes on doesn't read the instructions on how to start a thread and piggybacks a question on an old thread or c) a semiregular returns after a time and doesn't check the dates before responding. Rarely have I seen a new answer in a revivied thread that added something substantive. If the thread is closed and someone feels they have something to add they can PM the asker and suggest opening a new thread. The vast majority of revived threads just waste time.
"a". If a question answered is the goal, then whether the answer comes X hours or X months after the question, it's still success.
"b". I don't think a piggyback, bringing the thread to the top of the list, is worse than a new question. Either way, there's a new opportunity for the question to be seen at the top of the board.
"c". I think closed threads are bad. I can't think of one beneficial reason to have a thread with 0 responses closed. Any thread with 0 responses (that has not been deleted per the time limit) should be able to be answered by clicking Reply.
If it can be set to not close a thread with 0 answers, I would go along with that. But revived threads waste time. Since it appears new to everyone, it takes time to browse that thread to see what the story is. That takes time that might be spent on answering a new question. A piggyback, unless it directly pertains to the original question, also wastes time to determine what the new question is.
"a". If a question answered is the goal, then whether the answer comes X hours or X months after the question, it's still success.
"b". I don't think a piggyback, bringing the thread to the top of the list, is worse than a new question. Either way, there's a new opportunity for the question to be seen at the top of the board.
"c". I think closed threads are bad. I can't think of one beneficial reason to have a thread with 0 responses closed. Any thread with 0 responses (that has not been deleted per the time limit) should be able to be answered by clicking Reply.
Does this apply to free advertising as well? I was under the impression that this was not the reason for this forum. I did respond to one advert stating this was not the right place for them, so can I get a clear answer on this and the issue below please.
Also, when someone expects us to actually do their homework for them, and we reply that they go ahead and do it and run it by us, is this wrong, or are we actually obliged to do their work? Would it not be better to refer them appropriately when possible?
Does this apply to free advertising as well? I was under the impression that this was not the reason for this forum. I did respond to one advert stating this was not the right place for them, so can I get a clear answer on this and the issue below please.
Also, when someone expects us to actually do their homework for them, and we reply that they go ahead and do it and run it by us, is this wrong, or are we actually obliged to do their work? Would it not be better to refer them appropriately when possible?
Using this forum for ads is against the rules. Any posts that violate the rules are subject to removal by the mods. Posters who frequently vioate the rules are subject to be blocked.
Under the Education category there is a Homework Help sub category. But, IMHO, homework help should be very restricted. In most cases, such help should consist of giving the asker direction so that they can find or figure out the answer. Just doing the work for them is wrong. Sometimes question are very specific and might need more detailed answers, but that would be the exception.
The purpose of homework is to help the student learn. Doing the work for them doesn't always help them learn. Anyone helping with a homework question should keep that in mind.
I see I've missed the fact that even threads with responses are closed.
...I just think closing threads should not be an option for this kind of forum.
Summary of my opinion for good business:
1. Never close any thread.
2. Delete only threads that are 6-9 months old with zero responses.
3. ...later consider deleting threads whose last post was a year ago.
I see I've missed the fact that even threads with responses are closed.
...I just think closing threads should not be an option for this kind of forum.
Summary of my opinion for good business:
1. Never close any thread.
2. Delete only threads that are 6-9 months old with zero responses.
3. ...later consider deleting threads whose last post was a year ago.
Sounds reasonable and I agree.
One further suggestion... those threads with '0' due to being advertisements - somehow those people should be told by the 'management' that they are on the wrong forums. But this is not really important.. we can continue to ignore them.
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