# What is thread bumping? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [October 25, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839 "2017-10-25T20:35:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![zuer-coli](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ba9def/32.png) [@zuer-coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuer-coli)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/1 "2017-10-25T20:35:26Z")
Mods, I don’t really understand what thread bumping is. In a previous thread I asked about some board etiquette issues. Specifically one reply suggested that I thank each and every person who posts a reply. Another post then showed up suggesting that would be thread bumping. Now I do like to thank people for their replies, but of late I try to insert a general thank you with the op. If I have a reply to a question, I try to insert a thank you with my reply. Thank you for your replies. Zuer-coli ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/2 "2017-10-25T20:37:48Z")
Thread bumping is generally the act of replying (unnecessarily) to a thread for the purpose of keeping the thread near the top of the page of most recently active threads. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/3 "2017-10-25T21:13:27Z")
A single bump to thank everyone is no big deal, and in fact many folks would probably appreciate the thanks. Just don’t be excessive about it. Don’t repeatedly bump the thread just to keep thanking people if the thread keeps getting new posts. If every other post in the thread is a thank you, that’s too much. Here’s what our FAQ says about bumping: > [@](#): > > **Bumping your own thread** > If you start a thread, and after a while think you would like more comments on it, you may be tempted to “bump” the thread by adding a post to make the thread reappear back at the top of the forum list. We strongly discourage this practice, but since the boards are so busy sometimes a single “bump” will bring about good results. > > Our guidelines:[ul] > [li]Wait until a suitable time has elapsed (at least, until your thread is no longer visible on the first page of the forum)[/li][li]Bump your thread only once[/li][li]Do not make a habit of always bumping each of your threads[/li][li]When you bump your own thread, it is preferrable to include additional information relevant to the original post, which may encourage others to respond[/li][li]Posting a thank you to those who responded to your question is not considered a “bump”[/li][/ul] 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. > **[FAQ - Guidelines and Etiquette on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=384745)** > > This thread lists the guidelines and etiquette on the Straight Dope Message Boards. Infraction of these guidelines is not as serious as rules violations, these basically reflect what we’d call “good manners.” Please read the companion threads FAQ -... Note that it specifically states that bumping the thread to thank those who responded to your question is not considered a bump. Just don’t be excessive about it. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/4 "2017-10-25T21:17:54Z")
And if your thread looks like a rant, rather than bumping it, a mod will perform a PIT maneuver. _flees_ ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/5 "2017-10-25T21:21:08Z")
It may not be against the rules, but I would suggest not thanking everyone in separate posts. A single post makes far more sense. A bunch of small posts in a row gets annoying, so better to combine them if you can. Heck, I worry repeatedly that I’m pushing things too far when I reply to multiple posters in separate posts, all in a row. ---
**Author:** ![zuer-coli](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ba9def/32.png) [@zuer-coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuer-coli)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/6 "2017-10-25T21:33:43Z")
Okay, understood, BigT I wasn’t able to use my internet for a while and it turned out to be very useful as I was able to formulate a consolidated reply. Thanks all Zuer-coli ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2017, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/7 "2017-10-25T21:38:20Z")
Come back to this thread in 2 months and I’ll show you. It’s on my calendar now. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2017, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thread-bumping/799839/8 "2017-10-26T11:59:55Z")
_bump_