Disabling Posts to Old Topics

[Cliff_Johns]

I admit I recently dredged up an old post on backhoe bucket size. I wanted to add to the end of the thread to say that after using the 12" for a while I was glad the TBN team had pointed me that way. I felt like I should update it so anyone searching for "backhoe bucket size" would get a complete analysis and a final resolution. That post was about 6mos old.

I also updated the photo sequence of my shed with a final winter picture. Seemed fitting.

I don't mind if someone updates old threads (obviously, since I do it at times), and if it's a thread I followed at the time, why wouldn't I follow it now? Just because someone arrives late to the conversation, doesn't mean they don't have anything to add.

Even if they don't have anything to add, there are a lot of posts that don't add much (including mine). That's part of any conversation.

Anyway, I vote for not setting an expiration date.

Also, I must say, I have no interest in seeing who posted last to a thread. I haven't found anyone whose words I want to ignore indiscriminantly, but It doesn't hurt if the feature is there. So that's a don't care vote for that idea.

Those are my votes, though I understand TBN is not a democracy (and should not be).
Cliff

 

[johnday]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( )</font> I've found that most of these people who add zero value to the site eventually go away if they are ignored. )</font>

HA! Says you, I've got over 600 posts and I'm still here! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You may not get anything from an old post, but others might. This is my afterwork enjoyment too, [must not have a life]. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[PineRidge]

I'm in agreement with the Inspector. Some posts like the one Jinman did on connecting/disconnecting the FEL is a pure classic. If a new member comes along that really needs additional help he/she should be able to bring up that old post and ask a new question if they feel the need. Aren't we all here ourselves to share ideas and to learn ourselves? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Is there really such a thing as a stupid question? I think only if we don't ask it because we may be afraid to do so.

 

[shvl73]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( We have a user now that likes to dredge up old posts after many months without adding any real value.)</font>

Value as determined by who? /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Put me down on the keep it as it is column.

New members come in and ask the same questions we asked when we arrived. Invariably they are guided to the old threads. And face it. We didn't know it all back then and we don't know it all now. So not only is the information back then alive and well, so is the thread.

I do believe it's a self-righting boat we've got here. If you don't believe me look at a post on a subject from a popular member and check out the views versus a post of one of the less popular members in a similar time frame. The difference might surprise you.

I believe we all have favorite members that we read with interest. And we also have members that we don't read just because we don't like them. But I'm sure there are others who share the same interest in our favorite but adore the one we dislike so much.

So let's keep it as it is. But if we're going to change it I'd suggest cloning Bird and Von a couple of times over. The only thing better than that would be to send BGoodman to Cape Cod to take more and better pictures of Bebster's projects. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> I think it would be a good idea to disable replying to posts after a certain time period, maybe 60 days. </font>

I don't think this is a good idea.

 

[shvl73]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'd suggest cloning Bird and Von a couple of times over )</font>

I'd add your name to that list. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Ibrahim]

We'll definitely keep it as it is.

I can imagine the sort of work I'd have to do to make it even query the user to make sure they really wanted to post to an old thread. The solution is not modifying posting ability, but making sure people who routinely "bump" old posts to the top know that it's not appreciated, and they should refrain unless adding something of significant interest.

Even if the added information isn't really that useful to many people, as long as it's information and not just an "I like that idea!" post.

-Ibrahim

 

[DocHeb]

Could you add something about this to the FAQ?

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> Could you add something about this to the FAQ? </font>

No offense, but FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions -- in the 3+ years I've been on this forum, this is the first time I've seen anything on this subject -- I wouldn't consider it frequent.