Fine.
Dear Gentle Poster,
I was perusing the Straight Dope Message Board last evening, as is my wont, enjoying my usual menagerie of interesting topics, when I noticed a disconcerting trend - some of those threads I opened were quite old indeed! Some of the Original Posts dated back over a year and a half - one can only imagine how far down the list they’d fallen, or on to what page past the first of the forum. Certainly I was curious to know who was reviving topics which had seemingly fallen into disinterest after such a long period of time, so upon my further investigation I discovered the handiwork of a singular poster - namely, wolfstu.
Upon seeing that his (I am assuming the Gentle Poster is a “he,” and please correct me if I am mistaken) post count was quite low, it became obvious that he was a “newbie,” or someone as yet possibly unfamiliar with the ways of the strange rabble we collectively refer to as “the Dopers,” so one is inclined to enlighten said poster on certain possible alternatives that would be considered more apropos when dealing with old topics one wishes to revive.
In this particular instance, however, there seems to be some disagreement over what the proper course of action should be. Some believe it is perfectly acceptable to post to any open thread, regardless of age. Others believe it to be acceptable but only under certain circumstances, such as updating the situation of the Original Post or the Original Poster, adding newly updated information, or simply chiming in with the poster’s own point of view. Much of these two points of view are based on the thought that opening a new thread based on a topic of a thread that already exists almost always elicits a more experienced poster pointing the new thread’s Original Poster to the already-existing thread; to some, starting a new thread when one already exists on the same topic is considered quite the faux pas here at the Straight Dope, so reviving an older thread is the lesser of two evils (or, perhaps, not an evil at all). But there are others, such as myself, who believe sleeping dogs should, indeed, be left to lie. However, that does not excuse a poster from being lackadaisical - one should always do one’s research in unfamiliar territory before leaping into the foray. So, to me and those who agree with me, it seems most appropriate to start a new thread, but take pains to reference any already-existing threads via a simple hyperlink (instructions to do so are available by clicking on the vB code hyperlink at the beginning of each new post screen). This way both unpleasant alternatives are avoided, both dredging up long-forgotten threads, and being publicly chastized by those who prefer those threads be remembered if necessary. All can agree, however, that gratuitous, unnecessary revival of threads, done solely for the purpose of annoying or self-aggrandizing, are strictly frowned upon, and may very well bring chastisement from the Moderators and Administrators of the Straight Dope (something to be avoided at all costs). Being a new poster, it would seem you have a choice as to your actions, but it also seemed best you be made aware of all of your options, and the repercussions thereof. From a purely personal point of view (and, to quote the vernacular here on the Straight Dope, “YMMV,” meaning “Your Mileage May Vary”), I highly recommend new threads with links to existing threads - it would seem, in my humble opinion, to be the best all-around solution to please the most amount of people in the shortest amount of time.
I hope that wolfstu does not take this post in any other way than the way it is intended, which is simply to inform and educate about the ways of the Straight Dope; nothing more, nothing less.
Yours in amity,
Esprix
P.S. I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere regret at my choice of words in the Original Post of this thread. It was made both in haste and in annoyance, two frames of mind in which one should never be when posting, particularly to someone unaware of the potential inconvenience his actions may cause others. I hope, wolfstu, you can accept my sincere apology.
P.P.S. If a Moderator would be so kind as to lock this thread once wolfstu has had a chance to respond, I would be ever grateful. Thank you very kindly in advance.
