Anybody Else Like Reading Old Threads? What About Resurrections?

[RedNeckGeek]

When I'm tackling a new project, I've found it very helpful to search the forum postings for related info. When it comes to trouble on the farm/ranch, seems like there's nothing new under the sun and folks here are very generous about sharing their advise and solutions. Thanks for that!

I'm also having a lot of fun just reading the old posts. Ran through the project related forum last year and learned all kinds of things. Now I'm wandering through this one, and learning a lot more!

Once in a great while I feel like I might have something to add to one of those old topics, but I hesitate to resurrect an old thread. What's the protocol when it comes to old posts. Should I go ahead and reply to one, or start a new thread on the same topic?

TIA...

 

[k0ua]

When I'm tackling a new project, I've found it very helpful to search the forum postings for related info. When it comes to trouble on the farm/ranch, seems like there's nothing new under the sun and folks here are very generous about sharing their advise and solutions. Thanks for that!

I'm also having a lot of fun just reading the old posts. Ran through the project related forum last year and learned all kinds of things. Now I'm wandering through this one, and learning a lot more!

Once in a great while I feel like I might have something to add to one of those old topics, but I hesitate to resurrect an old thread. What's the protocol when it comes to old posts. Should I go ahead and reply to one, or start a new thread on the same topic?

TIA,

Scot

I don't see anything particularly wrong with bringing back a zombie thread if it is pertinent. As long as you realize that is what you are doing. Some people ask questions of a poster that may have not posted for many years, and they don't even realize that it is a zombie thread, and that will get you some responses from the living. But on the other hand, many of the original posters may still be active, and able to help or comment on your response.

 

[arnoldziffel]

I'm all for bringing back helpful threads from the past. Sometimes no need to re-invent the wheel.

Some very helpful real life experience and wisdom can be quickly found in many of the old threads.

 

[newbury]

Zombie threads are part of our heritage.
The fun comes when (usually a newbie) responds with a LONG detailed post on what should be done, asks specific questions of the OP, etc. When if you click on the OP you'll find he hasn't been here for a decade.

Revival is often the best. Start with a statement such as "I know this is an old thread but it has a a lot of good info that applies to my problem" or "Has there been any updates to this? Any new technology?".

 

[riptides]

There is a lot of fire and forget on this site. It is pretty wide open, and the client base comes and goes too. I'd say just start up a new thread, you get peoples current views and if there is a link of interest, some may tag it accordingly.

Only a select few have been interested in "thread counts" and "post" numbers over the years, so "numbers" is not a factor.

 

[RobertN]

I think bring back an old thread is fine if it is pertinent. I have found info in old threads; I've been herer since the very beginning of this site(actually before, because it used to be a Kubota only site).

I would rather have an old thread brought back, than have folks that "reply with quote" to long and or long with lots of inline pictures. Especially a three page reply, with only a one line response.

 

[rekees4300]

Once in a great while I feel like I might have something to add to one of those old topics, but I hesitate to resurrect an old thread. What's the protocol when it comes to old posts. Should I go ahead and reply to one, or start a new thread on the same topic?

I don't think there are any formal TBN protocols/rules re resurrection. You may do as you please. I bring them back if my post adds value to the topic. Recently bought one back from 3 years ago about JD mower clutch because my clutch went out so the post added to the evidence the clutch is defective.

 

[s219]

Zombie threads are part of our heritage.
The fun comes when (usually a newbie) responds with a LONG detailed post on what should be done, asks specific questions of the OP, etc. When if you click on the OP you'll find he hasn't been here for a decade.

Yeah, that always gives me a chuckle. Many people on the internet have no sense of here/now/ past/present. It's just the internet, always on.

 

[LD1]

Yep, I am fine with it if it is pertinent, and the OP (or other poster) you are asking a question of is still active. And a courtesy of saying "I know this is an old thread" helps.

But as others said, we often see someone first post to an old thread with advice that is no longer relevant.

Like a 5 year old thread that asks should I buy Blade A? or blade B. And a new posted offers advice. Well, not really relevant as I would hope the OP had made the decision already.

Heck, I am hesitant to give advice in a thread like that if it has been inactive for more than a few days.

If someone wants to revive one of my old build threads to ask me a specific question, I have no issues with that.

If someone wants to revive one from several years ago to answer a question I had about which is best....I just find that comical.

 

[/pine]

Old threads can hold valuable information the same as old books...that information is often just as valuable today as it was 10 years ago to someone that previously lacked it...

A good majority of old/dated threads getting replied to are found via search engines that don't necessarily filter by dates of publication...