Forum Administration 1

[CajunCenturion]

<Wearing Forum Owner Hat>

It has been brought up several times that a thread is a repeat, sometimes with a link to the previous thread, and other times without.

Is this a problem? Should these repeat threads be deleted?

How do you folks feel about this issue, and should forum administration be involved?

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[sleipnir214]

I think my answer would have to be, "It depends...".

Is the original thread excessively long, particularly for members with slow internet connections?
Can we find the original thread?
Are we covering the same ground exactly, or are we paralleling the original thread?


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[SantaMufasa]

My reaction is that if a thread is a repeat, it perhaps allows for new insight/reactions to the topic. I believe it is a good practice to post, as you asserted, a link to the previous thread(s) along with the tactful suggestion that they add new insight on the earlier thread.

Then, from an administrative perspective, if contributors add to the old thread (which "bubbles" the old thread to the top of the thread list), then you (as the forum administrator) can discreetly delete the new, redundant thread as early as possible (to avert proliferation on the redundant thread).

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

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[AnotherHiggins]

Often the previous thread has lain dormant for several months. I don't think we need to revive these threads just because a similar discussion has come up.

A link is always handy so newcomers to the discussion can see what arguments others have already made, but links can be hard to come by with the current search functionality^[red]*[/red]

Basically, I think the way things work now is fine.

^[red]*[/red]Site management has said that a new search feature is high on their priority list.

[tt]_____
[blue]-John[/blue]
[/tt][red]&quot;I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.&quot;[/red]
-Mitch Hedberg

Help us help you. Please read FAQ181-2886 before posting.

 

[SantaMufasa]

Agreed, John (AnotherHiggins), but if someone is able to provide the link (even if it is months old), I believe that it is more convenient and comprehensive to add to the previous thread.

So, it comes down to a matter of convenience...If the old thread bubbles to the top, then John (CajunCenturion) can use his judgement about cancelling the new thread.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

Do you use Oracle and live or work in Utah, USA?
Then click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips.

 

[Stella740pl]

I agree that it should be handled on a case-by-case basis.

It all depends on how much of a repeat is there, is the whole thread nearly the same or just some points, or just some interesting links and opinions are there worth referencing in the current thread, etc. Very often, it's all new people participate in the current thread, who were not members back when the first thread started. Or an OP meant to discuss a different issue, but, as it happens, it developed into unexpected repetition.

If the old thread bubbles to the top, and the new is going to be cancelled, it would be beneficial (if possible, of course) to preserve the new posts by copying them to the old one.

On the other hand, all forums have repeated topics from time to time, but sometimes it could hard to find the right one, so the link in the new thread, if someone can provide it, can do a lot of good.

 

[Dimandja]

Some threads can withstand repetition, while others were so saturated that redoing them is excessive.

A case by case approach is best.

 

[jsteph]

As an example, there were two threads--One I think was 'Where are we all from?', and the other was 'Welcome to the...forum', or something. Instead of linking, how about combining one to the other and deleting one?
--Jim

 

[CajunCenturion]

jsteph - That's a good example. Those have been combined into the thread, "Welcome to Making An Impression" (thread1256-1051474), and an FAQ, "All About Us" (FAQ1256-5837).


Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[SilentAiche]

I like the case-by-case idea, especially for really long orginal threads. As Sleipnir214 referenced, I'm one of those slow dial-up folks.

To log on, I approach this large box on the wall and pick up the receiver. I then crank this lever on the side of the box and when the operator comes on, I speak in to the mouthpiece and say [blue]"Sara, can you get me the internet?"[/blue]

Tim

(y'all should be picturing Andy Griffith right about now...)

[blue]_____________________________________________________
If you need immediate assistance, please raise your hand.
If you are outside of Raleigh, raise your hand and say[/blue] [red]Ooh! Ooh![/red]

 

[CajunCenturion]

To all: Please not that it's "Sara (without an 'h'), can you get me the internet?"

Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[AnotherHiggins]

And by all means, please note that it's "not (without an 'e') that it's ..."

SilentAiche,

[tt]_____
[blue]-John[/blue]
[/tt][red]"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it."[/red]
-Mitch Hedberg

Help us help you. Please read FAQ181-2886 before posting.

 

[CajunCenturion]

Good Luck
--------------
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read FAQ181-2886
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein