7 replies to this topic

[Slaiv]

many of the Moderators (note the capital "M" ) say that instead of posting a new topic, search for the subject matter and post replies to the original (and old) topics. While I'm not trying to harrass/flame anybody, I think that locking/removing topics just because they talk about the same thing another one does is retarded. Yes, if a very recent post has the same topic, and one posts another with the same subject (aside from accidental double posts), the second should be removed.

However, most people do not read old topics. People post new topics so that their ideas may be noticed and viewed by the current users (their post will be seen on the first page of a forum, at least until it is run off by others); if they only post on old topics, they limit the readers of their words and stop their ideas from being seen.

Another reason: people do not go searching for old topics to find what they are looking for. If someone posts on an old topic, no one will read it! It will remain unseen....


Just a thought.....

[Kethruch]

I disagree -

The clue is to start by looking at the topics from over 30 days ago in your search - then, if you have anything valid to add, you can post it (please only valid continuations, otherwise it is considered thread necromancy), and the thread moves to the top of the list, where it can be seen by all just as if you had started a new thread. One of the problems that the moderators face is policing an ever-growing volume of threads. Their job is not only to make sure that the discussion on the site remains civil, but also to maximize the use of the space that the site has on its servers.

Unlike what many understand, the space that the site is allowed is not unlimited. As more and more threads start up asking the same questions, it unnecessarily uses space that may be needed for mods and official announcements. If you look at the rules of the forum, they are all ultimately designed with either space saving or civility in mind - most of them both.

So please - be kind to the moderators - they have a tough enough job as it is, and, if there is something you can add to an old thread, feel free to do so with the knowledge that people will see it.

[Malchik]

Not using the search button means you fail to see what previous posters to the forum, many very experienced and sensible have had to say. Some of these no longer post because they have left, moved on, given up Morrowind or whatever but that does not make their insights less valuable.

It also saves you from looking foolish by claiming some brilliant discovery that others have already talked about at length.

All in all - use the search button before posting. It is not necromancy to add to an old thread if you have new and valuable info to add. And as Kethruch points out it goes straight to the top of the pile!

[Peregrine]

And don't forget the fact that after a while, we get tired of answering the same question over and over again. I mean, something like a "do you hate cliff racers" thread... most of the forum has already expressed their opinion. So a new thread is either going to get a lot of repeat posts (borderline spam), or die after only a few posts from people who weren't around for the old thread.

[Slaiv]

Like I said, I'm not disrespecting or flaming the MODs or ADMINs (at least I don't mean to-if you take offense, I'm not trying to give it). ANd I know that sites not only have bandwidth caps, but also storage space that can run out. I suppose you all are right however. This site is totally sujpported by the owners, who have to pay for it (I don't know who they are), and more space is not free......money bites.

[Somedude]

The question is, if this site had unlimited space and storage, would the rules be less strick?

[Peregrine]

No. Pointless posts are annoying even if we had unlimited free bandwidth. The rules are here to keep a neat, organized forum, not to cut some tiny % of server costs.

[Slaiv]

exactly. I have seen my errs... SPAM really sucks, I posted this when I was a noob and was mad becauseI got one post telling me to go look for the answer......

Now I have seen the light ^_^