# Zombie Threads - How? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 24, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157 "2017-04-24T19:25:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/1 "2017-04-24T19:25:46Z")
How do these things happen? Example: > **[I fucking, fuck, fuck fucking HATE Invisible Fences!](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=271128)** > > On my new daily run around the block I have discovered several new-to-me things about my quiet little coastal Connecticut Neighborhood. Neighbor X a half mile away has an Invisible Fence. Neighbor X a half mile away has two (2) large male... This thread started and ended in 2004. Now, for some reason, someone revives it in 2017. Was he searching the Dope for Invisible Fence threads and felt the need put his 2 cents in all these years later? This isn’t really pit-worthy but since that’s where the example zombie lives, I’ll post here. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/2 "2017-04-24T19:48:01Z")
The level of Fucktardary in that thread, from both '04 and now, is off the charts. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/3 "2017-04-24T19:48:49Z")
> [@MikeF](#): > > This isn’t really pit-worthy QFT ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/4 "2017-04-24T20:04:46Z")
Some topics are timeless. ---
**Author:** ![aktep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f0a364/32.png) [@aktep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aktep)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/5 "2017-04-24T20:22:30Z")
Someone once suggested that if anyone tried to post to a zombie thread, there should be a pop up box that says “Just how did you find this thread, anyway?” ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/6 "2017-04-24T20:24:59Z")
People google random shit, find a SDMB thread from the Macarena era, and are just motivated and/or drunk enough to register for an account and contribute something stupid. ---
**Author:** ![aktep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f0a364/32.png) [@aktep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aktep)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/7 "2017-04-24T21:08:50Z")
Like this one, where I guess someone just happened to google the same random UPC code the OP needed: [Is there a way to do reverse lookup on UPC codes, to find what it was? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=399046) ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/8 "2017-04-24T22:10:13Z")
> [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > Some topics are timeless. Just like a fine watch! ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/9 "2017-04-24T22:37:42Z")
I don’t mind zombie threads. I’ve revived a few threads I started years ago where I asked a question and nobody had the answer, and then years later I found the answer. This board is tied to google, and if anyone googles that question they’ll find my thread with the answer in it. Other than that I don’t really revive zombie threads. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/10 "2017-04-24T22:45:31Z")
Since the OP of that thread was a new user, I googled hate invisible fence and we’re the fifth link. I wager the majority of our zombie threads are first-time posters who googled their pet peeve or crusade and found us. Yay! ---
**Author:** ![mikecurtis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikecurtis/32/3284_2.png) [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/11 "2017-04-24T22:48:59Z")
altho ive never revived a zombie, i have often been the majority of the way thru them before i noticed when it was actually written. so i can def understand responding to a thread that you’re not aware is centuries old! mc ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/12 "2017-04-24T22:55:24Z")
Sometimes I run across an interesting article, think of sharing it on Straight Dope–but first do a search to see if it has been discussed before–and if so update the thread. For example several months ago I came across an article about a “Radioactive Boyscout” who had died. I did a search and found he had been discussed here back in 2003. So I updated the thread. Someone else found a more recent article in the last week or so and again updated the thread. > **[The Radioactive Boy Scout](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=212476)** > > The story about " David Hahn the Boy Scout who Bulit a Breeder Reactor " that appeared in Harper’s in 99’ - Kieth Silverman I think was the reporter. I think this story total hooey. Can anyone confirm or deny this ?:dubious: Other times I just start a new thread. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/13 "2017-04-24T22:59:37Z")
Usually my first clue that I should look at the date is seeing the word BANNED. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/14 "2017-04-24T22:59:39Z")
All day today, the fucking ads at the bottom of the SDMB (yeah, I’ve tried every goddamn adblocker I can, none seem to work) have _fucking CAT PICTURES!_ But I won’t zombie the thread again. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/15 "2017-04-24T23:26:45Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Since the OP of that thread was a new user, I googled hate invisible fence and we’re the fifth link. I wager the majority of our zombie threads are first-time posters who googled their pet peeve or crusade and found us. Yay! I’ve never understood why people don’t understand how people find old threads. When I’m searching for something (on Google), more often than not, I end up changing the search settings to only look back X days/weeks/years specifically because I’m getting forum results from so long ago. Sometimes it’s not a big deal, sometimes the information is irrelevant at this point. But finding old threads or old articles isn’t a big deal and it’s not that hard to read one without realizing how old it is, especially if you don’t usually post to message boards. I’ve also never understood the rage against bumping an old thread or why everyone feels the need to trip over themselves to be the first to post a zombie joke…but that’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/16 "2017-04-24T23:36:45Z")
Sometimes I don’t realize it is a zombie until I see the zombie joke. I’d consider it a public service. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/17 "2017-04-24T23:51:48Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Since the OP of that thread was a new user, I googled hate invisible fence and we’re the fifth link. I wager the majority of our zombie threads are first-time posters who googled their pet peeve or crusade and found us. Yay! I still get a lot of PMs regarding a thread I posted years ago about having transcranial magnetic stimulation - a relatively new, not terribly common treatment for medication-resistant depression. It’s a little disconcerting to realize you are in the Google Machine for all of eternity. I assume that thread is a common hit for TMS-related searches. The electric fence thread made me sad because I thought \*\*Phlosphr \*\*had returned. ---
**Author:** ![Mnemnosyne](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mnemnosyne/32/3347_2.png) [@Mnemnosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mnemnosyne)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/18 "2017-04-24T23:53:26Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I’ve also never understood the rage against bumping an old thread or why everyone feels the need to trip over themselves to be the first to post a zombie joke…but that’s just me. This is what I really don’t understand. This is actually one of the things I really appreciate about the SDMB; if you bump a years-old thread people will comment on it but it usually isn’t going to get locked and such. Some message boards I’ve been on have really strict rules about bumping old threads, going so far as to give you a warning for bumping an old thread with an otherwise perfectly good and relevant post, and I cannot for the life of me understand why. Some of them I’ve been told, essentially, ‘well, start a new thread, post a link to the old one, and say what you wanted’ which leaves me boggling; why not just bump the old one? ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/19 "2017-04-25T00:30:15Z")
> [@Mnemnosyne](#): > > This is what I really don’t understand. This is actually one of the things I really appreciate about the SDMB; if you bump a years-old thread people will comment on it but it usually isn’t going to get locked and such. > > Some message boards I’ve been on have really strict rules about bumping old threads, going so far as to give you a warning for bumping an old thread with an otherwise perfectly good and relevant post, and I cannot for the life of me understand why. Some of them I’ve been told, essentially, ‘well, start a new thread, post a link to the old one, and say what you wanted’ which leaves me boggling; why not just bump the old one? FYI, Zombie threads did once get locked on SDMB. I don’t remember when the rule changed, but I think the new way of doing things is more sensible. I’ve never understood people’s irritation with it, although it can be a bit disconcerting until you realize the thread is old. ---
**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:** [April 25, 2017, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157/20 "2017-04-25T00:35:00Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > Sometimes I don’t realize it is a zombie until I see the zombie joke. I’d consider it a public service. How about instead of relying on stupid jokes, you used your _ **braaaaaaaains!!!** _ instead? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zombie-threads-how/785157.md?page=2)