If it were a standard question on every post, it would just be an extra hassle that nobody paid attention to. “Another damn mouse click before I can post.”
The flaw in the software is from the vBulletin creators. They would have to improve their search function.
Those posts are annoying. They do provide the useful function of pointing out to those who missed it that it is a zombie thread though.
So would an edit from a mod on the resurrecting post saying “Note, this is an old thread from <year>” or a single, respectful post immediately after the new person’s post saying something like “I don’t know if you’re aware but this is a several year old thread and the original participants may no longer be here.”
Posts like that after a resurrection are no problem, it’s the hostility and torrents of lame jokes that need to be cut the hell out.
Bastard!
Personally, I find the zombie jokes annoying, especially if the poster doesn’t explain to the newbie what’s going on. It’s much better just to post a note indicating that it’s an old thread. I usually make such a note if I have occasion to move or otherwise moderate the thread.
A few random thoughts:
On some other boards it’s considered bad etiquette to start a new topic when you can find one already exists by searching.
I agree that the “Great Debates” threads that devolve into the same arguments should be locked if they’re ressurected. How many threads on gun-control have we had since the events out east, and no matter what the particular spin is, they all devolve into the same arguments by the same people. Maybe an exception can be made if the new poster comes up with something that was strictly on the original topic, but not if they throw out another generic argument.
I’ll add that that threads where a poster is asking for very specific advice (to use my recent example, “My Birdbath heater keeps blowing GFCIs”), the OP probably solved their problem years ago.
Timeless threads are ones like “has any lawyer used the ‘the guilty man will walk through that door’” gambit and could probably stay relevant for years. If someone 4 years from now digs up an instance of it happening I don’t see what’s wrong with adding it to the thread, even if I might not be around.
Some boards have a software function where it warns a poster a thread is a zombie, but allows them to post anyway if they want to.
Yeah, and on some you can get banned by publicly announcing that you’re willing to put up with their crap rules.
I would like it if threads did not come up in general google searches, but I would like to retain site specific searches.
I agree. Zombie threads imply that a thread with presumably pertinent information is usable, and you can take advantage of that, which helps other posters.
In fact, I always feel guilty on some types of questions where I’m sure they’ve been kicked around before. Zombies have been known to be intelligent.
I’ll deal with the guilt with my shrink. Or maybe in a board here.
There is much easier work arounds. Like locking threads after x amount of days.