Auto-locking old threads

Former_MSE_Andrea

What’s happening?

To deter spammers from bumping up old forum threads we plan to start auto-locking threads that haven't been posted on for more than a certain amount of time. We'll be working on the oldest threads first and working our way forward depending on how it goes.

Which boards?

Certain boards and threads will be excluded from this eg Debt Free Diaries, and threads linked to from MSE main site articles as they’re specifically there to help people and the nature of them means those people may not update for some time. Initially though it’s unlikely there’ll be any threads of that age you’d need to post on anyway.

Tigsteroonie

Thank you! I think this is a change that we forumites have been requesting for some time. If someone really needs to refer to an old thread, they can always link to it from the opening post of a new thread.

Thumbs up!

ifonlyitwaseasier

can we have a bit of leeway on OS threads? sometimes it really is a "not asked very often" question that gets kept together with the old info iykwim

ioiwe

Premier_2

Whilst I know many people have requested it, I really don't think it is the most appropriate course of action (but it's not my site...)

I really do think you are only addressing the symptoms, and not the cause, by taking this action.

Just my 2 cents worth on the matter

Former_MSE_Andrea

Don't worry Premier, we're addressing the cause and the symptoms - a sort of several-pronged attack

meher

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

a sort of several-pronged attack

ouch xxxx

Former_MSE_Webmaster

Hi folks,

We're undertaking this today. Please report any issues here.


Webby

rogerblack

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

Thank you! I think this is a change that we forumites have been requesting for some time. If someone really needs to refer to an old thread, they can always link to it from the opening post of a new thread.

Thumbs up!

One issue is that that doesn't let people subscribed to the thread see it.

There are occcasional threads that various people have commented on, but that have gone dormant due to - for example - legislative changes not coming into force for several months.
When these changes come into force, or if the proposals are updated, many of the subscribers would be interested in a post about these, but if the thread is locked, this can't happen.

peter999

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

What’s happening?

To deter spammers from bumping up old forum threads we plan to start auto-locking threads that haven't been posted on for more than a certain amount of time. We'll be working on the oldest threads first and working our way forward depending on how it goes.

Which boards?

Certain boards and threads will be excluded from this eg Debt Free Diaries, and threads linked to from MSE main site articles as they’re specifically there to help people and the nature of them means those people may not update for some time. Initially though it’s unlikely there’ll be any threads of that age you’d need to post on anyway.

That is disappointing & unnecessary.

There are a lot of old threads that are still relevant & worthwhile updating that keep the discussion/information/history all in one place without having to start a new thread.

Is it really necessary or just a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

peter999

meher

peter999 wrote: »

That is disappointing & unnecessary.

There are a lot of old threads that are still relevant & worthwhile updating that keep the discussion/information/history all in one place without having to start a new thread.

Is it really necessary or just a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

peter999

just the person I've been looking for - that 104 pages long economy thread of yours on dt is really testing patience of my poor ancient dell you know there's nothing worthwhile in a four year old economy thread - we used to be rich at the time, now we're all p-poor and even the bulls and bears are in this together; we need new thread thanks

Tigsteroonie

rogerblack wrote: »

There are occcasional threads that various people have commented on, but that have gone dormant due to - for example - legislative changes not coming into force for several months.

I think you'll find the "several months" old threads are still there - MSE Andrea says they'll be working on the oldest threads first (i.e. 3.4 years). Personally I think that if a thread was started three years ago, and hasn't been posted on in the last six months, then the chances of it being resurrected is slim.

But she has asked for any issues to be reported so if you find such a thread that you want, feel free.