What's with all the old threads?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by ITJD, May 10, 2012.

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  1. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Figured I'd ask about this because it really lowers the overall value of the main page of the General Discussion forum.

    Why are there so many older threads on the main page?

    I've looked at a couple and noted we had someone posting in old threads; but the problem with doing that across the board is that I or others need to go looking for time relevant discussion. I find it hard to believe that anybody has anything relevant to say on a discussion that's up to 10 years old or that the mods would surface stuff just because.

    Just asking. Personally, I'd prefer to just see new and relevant on the first page.

    Best,
    ITJD
     
  2. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Just take a look at the date the thread was started. If it looks too old (or the thread title is not of interest to you), don't click on the link. The very reason DI keeps these threads active is to allow anyone to post to them again. That said, often times people do not realize that they are replying to old threads and think they are replying to a post from yesterday when it's really from 2004 (even though the date is clearly marked). Maybe Chip could somehow figure out a way to color-code threads older than 1 year in the search results?
     
  3. DxD=D^2

    DxD=D^2 Member

    That's a great idea... Color coding the threads to indicate they are older. Maybe in a color that indicates "oldness" such as gray or brown (sorry if that offends anyone, those are the colors that seem to indicate dull or oldness to me). ;)
     
  4. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    For me, an old thread that gets resurrected because new information has been brought to light is fine (updates in legal action, new news reports, etc). It becomes a problem when someone necros an old thread to say "LOL, too funny!" or "I totally agree".

    It isn't the end of the world when this happens, but it can be a little annoying. I have been guilty of this myself. In doing a search I may find a few threads of interest and write up a post for one of them, only to realize that I am responding to a thread that died 6 years ago. It happens. Lets just take effort to ensure that it happens as little as possible.
     
  5. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    If I don't want to click on page two to find recent threads, chances are, I don't want to spend the time looking at thread dates and then clicking to page two. :)


    This is more helpful, but really doesn't solve the problem when someone goes all "lols" on a bunch of threads. Instead of color coding threads I'd find a way to require mod approval on all threads potentially necro'd, much as there's mod approval on new posters.

    Perhaps if last post date equals -90 from current date, require mod approval before new replies can be seen on the site. (or whatever time frame makes sense)
     
  6. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Personally, I find these old threads entertaining.
     
  7. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    They're novel at the moment.
     
  8. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    I really dont see the big deal. I mean, if you dont want to look at them, then dont. But I am a thread necromancer and proud of it. If I read something that is of interest and I want to comment on it, I will. Sorry if that offends anyone, but when Im up at the witching hour because my stupid insomnia prevents sleep, I go back and read the old stuff. Frankly, the stuff from "back in the day" is more entertaining then the stuff from today. More drama, more back and forth, more sleuthing and digging for the truth, exposing fakes and liars, etc... Very entertaining at 3am, let me tell ya. You dont want to look through old threads and I dont want to be limited on what I can comment on. So whats the solution thats FAIR to us both and will make us both happy?
     

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