# Is there a criteria for closing threads? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [January 28, 2021, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-criteria-for-closing-threads/931701 "2021-01-28T17:55:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-criteria-for-closing-threads/931701/2 "2021-01-28T19:48:37Z")
GD and P&E do have some criteria but no hard rules. If the thread is new and is offering nothing new, we’ll close it. That is stated in the GD rules. If the thread has been around for awhile (usually months) and it is down to a few principles yelling at each other and generating flags; we’ll probably close it. Please take a look at the GD and P&E rules: > [@New Rules for Great Debates and Elections – January 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rules-for-great-debates-and-elections-january-2020/845726): > > Moderation in Great Debates and Politics and Elections In general, Great Debates and Politics and Elections are the most contentious fora on the SDMB. Because of that, you’ll find that moderation is more active and prone to sanctioning posters. You can compare it to sitting at the holiday dinner next to the crazy uncle who can’t help being unpleasant. Please don’t be that guy. Be aware that most rules are not ‘bright line’. This is intentional on our part as we believe such encourages poor … This will give you a feel for what guides us to some degree. There is a thread right now that just started I need to review for possible closure. I need to ensure it is covering new ground. > [@Academically/Intellectually Gifted Education is problematic but necessary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/academically-intellectually-gifted-education-is-problematic-but-necessary/931706): > > A discussion in an absolute dumpster-fire of a thread, veered off into talking about gifted/advanced classes in public schools, and whether they’re advisable. This is an issue dear to my heart, and I’d love to see a discussion about it that’s nuanced, respectful, and not marred by absurd stereotypes. First, my qualifications. Like a bunch of you yahoos, I was in gifted education when I was a kid, and overall those classes were the highlight of my youth. I noticed, possibly with parent help, tha… _Happy to say, it looks like new ground._ --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-criteria-for-closing-threads/931701)._