Just today, I see there’s yet another guest posting a thread about marijuana. There are some staple topics which seem to repeat, with slight variations, with consistent regularity. I propose that a sticky be put up in GD where links to notable past GD threads be collected, categorized by topic. Similar to the “reference” sticky in GQ. If implemented, I volunteer to collect links about drug debates, AI, metaphysics & biology. Obviously, this is not meant to be an exhaustive index. Substantial threads (maybe >=100 replies) only, and some of the major topics only (religion, evolution, US politics…).
I think that would encourage raising the dead. After all, the guest has something to say about marijuana. Isn’t it better to have that guest start a new thread?
There’s something to be said for encouraging the guest to first read the old threads.
saorise’s problem could be solved by locking these “reference” threads.
Ultimately (which I hope is not too far away) all old threads will be locked to read only, not just reference ones; we’re working on it.
This idea has some merit and is being discussed right now between the staff for how to best make this work. Properly done, we want to direct people to where they can see what’s gone before – without slamming a newbie with a link and a snarled “Go here.”
There’s nothing more offputting to someone starting off here than someone saying, “Shut up, it’s been said already.” We never want to stifle new ideas and that includes potential new takes on old situations.
So hold on while we figure out what’s best here. As always, your input as users and contributors is appreciated.
TubaDiva
But, since guests can’t search, how will they find them?
Perhaps by making use of what’s proposed in the OP.
Mods. keep us updated on the discussion.
Is there any way to place a message on the ‘Post a New Thread’ page? If so, just point a link to the sticky.
This is more in line with GQ, but why not have an SDMB web page that has a list of collateral adjectives (dog - canine; cat - feline; night - nocturnal, etc) collective nouns (crash of rhinoceros, muder of crows, etc) and other commonly asked questions?
Plus a GQ “great debate type question” page about the pro and con arguments as to whether .99999… realy equals 1 ? (It does equal one by the way.) 
The rule is well known: Stickies are invisible.
Putting a sticky thread at the top about subjects oft “debated” will not reduce the number of threads re-opening the subject; it will simply allow members to point to the sticky as they currently point to prior threads in snarling out their denial that the subject is worthy of added discussion.
Responsible members would simply post once, briefly, in such a retread thread that the subject has been discussed before, offer a link, and then shut the hell up, so that the Board’s hamsters aren’t forced to deal with the inevitable multiple add-on posts about just how tired and weary the thread really is. 
DSYoungEsq
I notice you live in Northwestern Ohio. Would that be Peaksville ?
If so, then that’s a real good suggestion you made there. Real good.
(Sorry for going way off topic, but the Twilight Zone marathon is showing “It’s a Good Life” at the moment.)
Any update from the Mods?
I guess it’s been forgotten.
Nope, not forgotten. Not on top of the “to do” list, either. We’ll get to it as we can.
TubaDiva
Forgotten by now, I guess.
If Idlehands is still about I would imagine he could be asked to compile an initial thread.
If archiving threads is currently being discussed, I’d wager having sticky reference threads hasn’t been forgotten. They need to do one before the other.