Auto-lock threads?

[stealthwolf]

A few newbsters are resurrecting threads that have been quiet for many months without adding anything new.

Is it worth locking any thread that hasn't had a new reply for a number of months?

Perhaps an option for either the thread starter or anyone who replied in the thread to then be able to resurrect it if necessary?

[Top Cat]

Surely its better that new people resurrect old threads rather than ask the same question again and again, the old threads get re-booted because people are using the search function. 

[stealthwolf]

^^^ I agree where threads have been resurrected for a reason but very frustrating when someone posts "oh kool!".

There must be better ways to stop this from happening?

[Top Cat]

Nothing wrong with oh cool. 

Maybe focus your energy on world peace or " whats for tea tonight i wonder"   

[RedRobin]

^^^^
TC finds nappy changing very therapeutic and energy focussing 


I think it would severely limit the great resource of info this site has if older threads were auto locked. A Search often reveals valuable info posted a long time ago.

[stealthwolf]

^^^ I don't want the old threads disappearing, just don't want a whole bunch of threads resurrected with no additional useful information.

Autolocking would not prevent the thread being found by a search.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
But having Searched and found the thread, how would you add a totally relevant question or info to the topic if it was locked?

[SteveP]

Exactly Robin 

Sorry Jaz there is no way for the forum software to know if what the person is posting in an old thread is valid or not. We do have the old thread warning configured so the person will be prompted to confirm that they are sure they wish to post in a thread older than 90 days.

[stealthwolf]

^^^I wasn't aware of the warning (given I don't practice necromancy).

It was a suggestion based on something i saw elsewhere. I was aware of the problem of valid posts.

It's frustrating to scroll down a thread to reveal that 1. it's an old thread, 2. it's a thread you've already read, and 3. the latest post has nothing useful to add eg more info/questions.

Given that it seems to be new users who do this, is it possible to restrict things in such a way that an old thread can be revived only by someone with more than 10 posts, or has a character limit of more than say 10 characters?

Would stop newbsters trying to bump up their posts counts with useless replies and still allows for meaningful replies.

[edd666999]

people want their post count to be able to PM so they go through the membes rides section and just put

 
 


drives me insane 

[stealthwolf]

+1. Maybe a character limit would be a better idea? Replies must be more than say 10 characters, doesn't include smileys and applies to anyone with under 10 posts.

[edd666999]

anyone with less than 10posts can only post on the 3rd tue of every month?