# Differenciate Zombie and Zealous
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differenciate-zombie-and-zealous/465602
**Category:** About This Message Board
**Created:** [September 28, 2008, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differenciate-zombie-and-zealous/465602 "2008-09-28T19:17:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Will\_Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Will_Repair)
#### Post date: [September 28, 2008, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differenciate-zombie-and-zealous/465602/1 "2008-09-28T19:17:15Z")
What is the time difference between a “Zombie Thread” and “Oh Yeah…”
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### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [September 28, 2008, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differenciate-zombie-and-zealous/465602/2 "2008-09-28T19:41:35Z")
> [@Will\_Repair](#):
>
> What is the time difference between a “Zombie Thread” and “Oh Yeah…”
Zombies are not known for being zealous about anything but _BRAAAIIINNNSSSS._
Assuming you are asking for guidance on when a thread becomes a zombie, see the FAQ on Guidelines and Etiquette on this board at the top of this forum.
> [@](#):
>
> What if I want to continue / add to the discussion on a topic that was mentioned in an old thread?
>
> Generally, we prefer you start a new thread with a link to the old thread. Often, an old thread includes statements from posters who are no longer members, and so cannot reply. It’s therefore “unfair” to re-open old discussions; such practice is usually called a “zombie thread.” (A general guideline for “old” would be a thread older than three months.) However, the rules on reviving old threads are different for the different forums. In General Questions, Comments on Cecil’s Columns, Comments on Staff Reports, and Cafe Society, it is acceptable to revive an old thread if you have some substantive comment to add. (Note that “thank you for answering my question” is just plain good manners, and acceptable. However, reviving an old thread just to say “I agree” is considered bad form.)
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### Author:  [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)
#### Post date: [September 28, 2008, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/differenciate-zombie-and-zealous/465602/3 "2008-09-28T20:39:24Z")
It should be self-evident: In adding a new answer to a moribund thread, zombie threads call for brains! 😉