Combining threads... just kills the discussion, IMO

BrandNewDay

I wonder if I am the only person who feels this way:

Very often, when somebody posts a topic on the Old Style board, the moderator comes along and says, "There's already a thread on that subject!" and then moves the post to that thread. I notice that there are rarely any responses to the new post. Often, the new post isn't really directly answered by previous posts, so I think it just gets ignored because it's an old, long thread that few people bother to read.

I have just started knitting and sewing, and I've thought of posting something about it, but I know anything I post will just be moved to old threads and nobody will ever respond. So, I don't bother.

So what if there is more than one thread on a subject?! If more people feel like responding, and you end up with more posts, isn't that a good thing?

ethansmum

I personally find that merging threads is a bonus. I've often searched for something and found a merged thread thats been very helpful and given me loads of ideas- ie 'the homemade bread thread'. Sometimes people have a quick question that they haven't used the search function for (or the quick questions thread for that matter), and it definately helps the OP findout what they need.

~*Plushroom*~

BrandNewDay wrote: »

I wonder if I am the only person who feels this way:

Very often, when somebody posts a topic on the Old Style board, the moderator comes along and says, "There's already a thread on that subject!" and then moves the post to that thread. I notice that there are rarely any responses to the new post. Often, the new post isn't really directly answered by previous posts, so I think it just gets ignored because it's an old, long thread that few people bother to read.

I have just started knitting and sewing, and I've thought of posting something about it, but I know anything I post will just be moved to old threads and nobody will ever respond. So, I don't bother.

So what if there is more than one thread on a subject?! If more people feel like responding, and you end up with more posts, isn't that a good thing?

I have to agree, I asked for english confectionary recipes weeks ago as I couldn't come up with ideas for gifts for some americans I know, and since it was merged it really hasn't been answered - couple of good posts and then its gone back to what they were talking about just before the merge. I know it looks tidier that way but I'm still stuck with the few ideas I had and not much time left to do it in.

Perhaps more subsections in certain forums would help - like if there was a section for sewing, cooking, cleaning, etc. But then I'm sure they are doing the best they can. But I do get what you're saying.

BrandNewDay

ethansmum wrote: »

I personally find that merging threads is a bonus. I've often searched for something and found a merged thread thats been very helpful and given me loads of ideas- ie 'the homemade bread thread'. Sometimes people have a quick question that they haven't used the search function for (or the quick questions thread for that matter), and it definately helps the OP findout what they need.

I do agree, to a certain point. I recently wanted to know what could be done about neighbors' cats pooping in our garden and a big combined thread was helpful to scan fast. (The answer appears to be: nothing, but there's lots of things you can try.:rolleyes:)

What I really want is a discussion about knitting. I don't want an answer to specific issues, I want to talk about how more people are taking up knitting and sewing, etc. To talk about where we get fabric or instruction or ideas. But, I know I'll just be thrown into the old thread and ignored.

It's boring.

elona

You could try asking a question on the Old Style Daily thread!

There is usually someone who can give some ideas.

There is also a thread called "knit a square to give your share" with links to some patterns that are free.

BrandNewDay

elona wrote: »

You could try asking a question on the Old Style Daily thread!

There is usually someone who can give some ideas.

There is also a thread called "knit a square to give your share" with links to some patterns that are free.

Oh, I know there are threads on knitting. I just gave, as an example, something I'd enjoy chatting about with other people. If I have specific questions, I can find answers to them. I just think the camaraderie of threads on things like that - learning to knit or sew - can be encouraging. People don't just go looking for information or answering questions... people like to chatter about things that interest them, and giving/getting specific information can be a part of that.

I've noticed that when I have had questions that end up being stuck into an extant thread, I sometimes never get any replies. I don't think people read those threads.

Glad

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere (please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL]

BrandNewDay

Oh, yeah... and moving threads, too!

(At least you didn't combine my thread with some old thread about combining threads.) LOL

Savvy_Sue

I can't speak for knitting and sewing so much, but when the 10th person in a week asks "what's the best method for whitening my teeth?" there's only so many new answers they can be given, so adding them to the discussion we already have will hopefully encourage them to skim the thread, perhaps search for particular methods they've had recommended, and see what others have found.

meher

BrandNewDay wrote: »

I wonder if I am the only person who feels this way:

Very often, when somebody posts a topic on the Old Style board, the moderator comes along and says, "There's already a thread on that subject!" and then moves the post to that thread. I notice that there are rarely any responses to the new post. Often, the new post isn't really directly answered by previous posts, so I think it just gets ignored because it's an old, long thread that few people bother to read.

I have just started knitting and sewing, and I've thought of posting something about it, but I know anything I post will just be moved to old threads and nobody will ever respond. So, I don't bother.

So what if there is more than one thread on a subject?! If more people feel like responding, and you end up with more posts, isn't that a good thing?

you're not the only one - whilst it appears tidily kept, it doesn't look refreshing

it's not just about cooking a meal or tidying up the kitchen - the food should look appetizing and the work-top should be sparkle clean, likewise little point chucking the lot into one huge thread - instead moderation should be about ensuring it is fetching and userfriendly, which it is not, to my aesthetics

Savvy_Sue

meher wrote: »

you're not the only one - whilst it appears tidily kept, it doesn't look refreshing

it's not just about cooking a meal or tidying up the kitchen - the food should look appetizing and the work-top should be sparkle clean, likewise little point chucking the lot into one huge thread - instead moderation should be about ensuring it is fetching and userfriendly, which it is not, to my aesthetics

:eek: if aesthetics are added to a Board Guide's job description I'll get the sack! :rotfl: