Zombie Threads
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I also am ok with a revived thread. Ive only been on this site for about 6 yrs so have missed a lot. I usually go to New then just head to the end to see what the last couple comments are. I also get a kick out of the reminder that "this threads been dead for a hundred years". Not surprisingly, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
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Most respectfully, I'm new here, I try to make time to read about + or - a hundred or so old threads here daily. More than several of the 'old' folks I like to read have passed on. It gives me a sense of remorse and at the same time a feeling of appreciation to know that the time they took, back then, means something now. I'm just trying to say, in a nice way, that old posts are new to me and valued. Given the efforts of those great folks who take the time to moderate here, I understand. I don't add to the old, but some of them I would like too, but don't.
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Think RJ's suggestion is most appropriate Link the old thread in your text and continue with a new thread if you want. Have to agree, lots of useful info in old archives, just don't need to drag all the comments back with them to start the discussion anew.
That's an interesting idea.Why not have date limited fonts? They darken or lighten or change colors with age until they're no longer readable. Just to drive us nuts, leave the title there but hide the text.
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You'll note he likes that idea so much, he's burned all of his books, load notes, and manuals; once they are older than 5 years. 🙄
Here's the thing:
Old threads are still here and available to inform, just like a library holds old books.
And just like a library, if you want to read old books that's absolutely what they are for.
If you pick-up an original work of Edgar Allen Poe, and don't agree with how he used language, will you write in the pages of that old book? Will you start asking him questions in the margins of that book? Do you honestly think you won't catch hands from the librarian if you do?
Resurrecting a zombie thread is absolutely no different than that, and it comes from the same bored, lazy people.
Frankly, if someone needs decoder rings, and magic fonts that change color to save them from themselves. They don't need to be in the library with markers....
Here's the thing:
Old threads are still here and available to inform, just like a library holds old books.
And just like a library, if you want to read old books that's absolutely what they are for.
If you pick-up an original work of Edgar Allen Poe, and don't agree with how he used language, will you write in the pages of that old book? Will you start asking him questions in the margins of that book? Do you honestly think you won't catch hands from the librarian if you do?
Resurrecting a zombie thread is absolutely no different than that, and it comes from the same bored, lazy people.
Frankly, if someone needs decoder rings, and magic fonts that change color to save them from themselves. They don't need to be in the library with markers....
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621 Posts
I have belonged to forums of one type or another for a very long time. They all have different rules for different reasons.
Having said that this is the first shooting/reloading board that wanted folks to start a new thread about a topic that has been covered before. I understand that it is better not to wake up a topic about items for sale and such but I also understand that some boards don't want hundreds of what is the best powder for... and what is a good bullet for...
When those 'newbe' questions come up folks are directed to the 'sticky' posts which are not really posts for discussion.
Is it better to have old discussions laid to rest and the same discussions started over and over or to continue the old discussions with new and current discussions taking place?
Frankly it's not my board so I try to follow the rules but it is more distracting to see the constant 'zombie thread speech' than it is to have a meaningful exchange on the old topic and new person.
Having said that this is the first shooting/reloading board that wanted folks to start a new thread about a topic that has been covered before. I understand that it is better not to wake up a topic about items for sale and such but I also understand that some boards don't want hundreds of what is the best powder for... and what is a good bullet for...
When those 'newbe' questions come up folks are directed to the 'sticky' posts which are not really posts for discussion.
Is it better to have old discussions laid to rest and the same discussions started over and over or to continue the old discussions with new and current discussions taking place?
Frankly it's not my board so I try to follow the rules but it is more distracting to see the constant 'zombie thread speech' than it is to have a meaningful exchange on the old topic and new person.
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@shooterPaul
The thing with "zombie threads" is some members that participated in them are gone or were a "one and done" so their further input is highly unlikely. Starting a new thread with a link or reference to the original thread is preferred as it puts the OP's name on it plus any questions or additions the OP may have on the subject or individual post.
Requesting an answer from faucettb (RIP buddy) in one of his old threads for instance? Not going to happen, but a reference or link to the thread will get more favorable attention than just adding to the existing thread. A thread that's less than say 5(?) years old will likely still be responded to by the OP provided they remember it.
RJ
The thing with "zombie threads" is some members that participated in them are gone or were a "one and done" so their further input is highly unlikely. Starting a new thread with a link or reference to the original thread is preferred as it puts the OP's name on it plus any questions or additions the OP may have on the subject or individual post.
Requesting an answer from faucettb (RIP buddy) in one of his old threads for instance? Not going to happen, but a reference or link to the thread will get more favorable attention than just adding to the existing thread. A thread that's less than say 5(?) years old will likely still be responded to by the OP provided they remember it.
RJ
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621 Posts
RJ,
I grant you your point but a continuing conversation with new input does, to me, make more sense than a brand new thread. I would bet that few people would follow a link but those same people could add quality input on the subject.
Like I said, it's not my forum and I will follow the rules.
What I said above was that all the other forums I have been on didn't want a high number of threads that were about the same newbe questions over and over.
I grant you your point but a continuing conversation with new input does, to me, make more sense than a brand new thread. I would bet that few people would follow a link but those same people could add quality input on the subject.
Like I said, it's not my forum and I will follow the rules.
What I said above was that all the other forums I have been on didn't want a high number of threads that were about the same newbe questions over and over.
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@shooterPaul
I grant your point, but the majority of those restarted zombie threads were started by people that are no longer here. That the whole point of starting a new thread is new blood.
RJ
I grant your point, but the majority of those restarted zombie threads were started by people that are no longer here. That the whole point of starting a new thread is new blood.
RJ
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621 Posts
What about the experience and wisdom from those folks who have passed? We still have a part of them in those posts. Is that knowledge and wisdom out of date? Are we burying our history because those involved are no longer here?
I'm going to stop here. I think we understand each others view and there is no need for me to discuss this when the rules are made. All that does is put me in a bad position. It has been an honorable discussion, thank you.
I'm going to stop here. I think we understand each others view and there is no need for me to discuss this when the rules are made. All that does is put me in a bad position. It has been an honorable discussion, thank you.
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The zombie thread problem started with the switch from vBulletin to Xenforo. Xenforo has "suggested reading" or whatever that doesn't discriminate between threads started yesterday, and in 2001.
Pay attention to the thread dates and all this goes away. Simple as that.
Clicking on a member's name will show you when they last logged in, and suggest whether it is likely that they will answer your question.
I think the worst I saw was someone jumping into a conversation that ended 19 years ago...... and expecting an answer
Pay attention to the thread dates and all this goes away. Simple as that.
Clicking on a member's name will show you when they last logged in, and suggest whether it is likely that they will answer your question.
I think the worst I saw was someone jumping into a conversation that ended 19 years ago...... and expecting an answer
Yea ... but the info is priceless. .
Would you say it's ok to add to.. and I've noticed that were ever we ask a question answer's pop up from multiple bloggers. .
Just because the original op is no longer with us .. just saying ☺.. I know I've done this by accident many times .. Thanks
Would you say it's ok to add to.. and I've noticed that were ever we ask a question answer's pop up from multiple bloggers. .
Just because the original op is no longer with us .. just saying ☺.. I know I've done this by accident many times .. Thanks
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From this Sticky:
"If you'd like to continue the general premise, or take it on your own tangent. Then please, start your own thread. If some context from the original is needed for your thread, by all means, please link it in your post. You can do a very basic "Cut-n-Paste", or use the link tool like many of the staff does. "
Again, think of it as a library. Read, re-read, and learn to your hearts content. But don't write in the pages of an old book.
Cheers
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