Messy Forum - Poor houskeeping

[MI5]

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how messy the forum is just lately? There are threads all covering the same subject in at least 3 different sections all relating to mail server issues (as an example). I have also flagged posts with a request to move or merge which haven't been actioned 

Are all the mods on holiday ??

[Anonymous]

It does seem a bit unorganised at the moment

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

A forum is a fluid and always evolving environment. As it's not a knowledgebase or wiki, we generally don't merge threads. There are quite a few reasons why we don't do that. Here's just a couple:

1. A merged thread is very difficult to read
Replies from several threads are merged into one. This completely destroys the flow of conversation and makes it hard to understand what is going on in a merged thread. With 99 out of a 100 reading rather than posting, merging actually causes more confusion.

2. No two threads are the same
Although things might relate to similar or even the same issue, people's situations are unique and they might have a different understanding of the problem. For example, someone might not be technical enough to understand that SMTP issues relate to their email. They will therefore start a new thread with the title "mail issues". Having two threads with different explanation will help those 99 out of 100 readers as well.

3. It's hard to get answers in a merged thread
If threads are merged, it's often hard to find back. We do message the OPs, but as the thread is now merged, people will no longer get replies to their original question.

Generally, I do think we should post a link to deflect people to an official thread, if there is one. That gives them the opportunity to ask their question there.

Hope that makes sense. If not, please give me a shout. I'm always happy to discuss re-evaluating our processes based on the pro's/cons for it.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers,
Leonard

[Anonymous]

Sounds sensible explained that way

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:

2. No two threads are the same
Although things might relate to similar or even the same issue, people's situations are unique and they might have a different understanding of the problem. For example, someone might not be technical enough to understand that SMTP issues relate to their email. They will therefore start a new thread with the title "mail issues". Having two threads with different explanation will help those 99 out of 100 readers as well.

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7 separate posts in 3 sections all with "SMTP" in the title.....

[Anonymous]

And 100+ threads with Android in the title

Jokes aside, I really do think it is a better experience for the majority of members if we don't merge. As I said, I'm happy to discuss changing that if there's a good reason for it.

[MI5]

No probs... It's your forum

[Anonymous]

Well, I hope not.

It's for all of you, so I was hoping to look at different arguments for/against merging.

[Anonymous]

100+ android threads, that's a good comeback but it does need a bit of tidying say putting the mail threads underneath each other or something

[Liquid]

I must agree with mi5 on this. It does seem to be a lot more disorganised recently. I presumed the lithium mods had taken a break.