Zombie threads

[Jayk]

I was wondering what the generally opinion here is on reviving old threads. Do you think it's better to start a new thread or is it acceptable to raise an old thread, if it matches your intended post? Is there a time limit beyond which threads should remain dead?

Note: I am not trolling to offend anyone, I am just curious.

 

[SiBurning]

Zombies keep coming back from the dead. On the other hand, someone's gotta make new zombies. On the other hand... Oh, nevermind... that one fell off.

 

[Luc]

I think if the information is good why not revive a thread! If you did not search and start a new thread, that's fine too. I personally like to have all my info in 1 spot so I would often bump an old thread because the information is good and I can add to it. If I cannot find what I need, I will then start a new thread.

There are old threads that should never be bumped. As an example, Fred is new to wetshaving and looking for advice on which blade to try first. Fred asked for advice 4 years ago. Fred probably moved on and found what he needed!

A good thread to bump would be a tutorial or someone explaining how to disassemble a razor (As an example, of course).

 

[Doc4]

I get a kick out of resurrected threads asking for girl advice or what-not, and guys start giving advice as if the OP asked earlier this week, rather than four years ago, whether or not he should ask this girl to the senior prom.

 

[Hunter]

I think if the information is good why not revive a thread! If you did not search and start a new thread, that's fine too. I personally like to have all my info in 1 spot so I would often bump an old thread because the information is good and I can add to it. If I cannot find what I need, I will then start a new thread.

There are old threads that should never be bumped. As an example, Fred is new to wetshaving and looking for advice on which blade to try first. Fred asked for advice 4 years ago. Fred probably moved on and found what he needed!

A good thread to bump would be a tutorial or someone explaining how to disassemble a razor (As an example, of course).

+1 If you have something good to say, it is better to add it to something that is already there rather than making a whole new thread.

 

[SiBurning]

I bumped this 3 year old when I burnt a pork butt. Misery loves company.

 

[BeeSeeDub]

...hmmm....wonder what's going to happen to this thread every few years...

 

[mrb7]

+1 If you have something good to say, it is better to add it to something that is already there rather than making a whole new thread.

Well, before reading any responses I voted only if it's specific. And I think this is an example of what I mean by specific. Some threads on some boards I visit have been going for several years and are thousands of posts long. But it's a bread about a narrow topic, the posters are a small community, and it doesn't wander much. The thread might lay dormant for a few months, but then someone will try some more experiments and it's off he races again.

As noted, a thread asking for dating advice is nuts.

 

[Doc4]

+1 If you have something good to say, it is better to add it to something that is already there rather than making a whole new thread.

I'll say ... if the thread is old, then maybe you want to start a new one. The posters in the old thread may have learned more since then, and have different opinions. OTOH, if the "old" thread is a couple months old, then you can probably just keep it going.

 

[Darkbulb]

Ok to post in an old thread (necro-posting) as long as it's not "I'm in" in a PIF that ended a year ago ;-)

 

[Legion]

Ok to post in an old thread (necro-posting) as long as it's not "I'm in" in a PIF that ended a year ago ;-)

 

[mrb7]

Ok to post in an old thread (necro-posting) as long as it's not "I'm in" in a PIF that ended a year ago ;-)

I resemble that remark.

 

[professorchaos]

Read the old one, start a new one.

 

[Jayk]

+1 If you have something good to say, it is better to add it to something that is already there rather than making a whole new thread.

That makes sense, Keep all the information in one place as long as it is relevant. Makes it easier to search later.

I bumped this 3 year old when I burnt a pork butt. Misery loves company.

That's a good compilation thread, keep the misery in one place. Ruined dinner are terrible I stay frustrated for days if I mess something up enough.

Ok to post in an old thread (necro-posting) as long as it's not "I'm in" in a PIF that ended a year ago ;-)

We've had a rash of PIF "I'm in" recently. Directly after people posting that the PIF is over.

...hmmm....wonder what's going to happen to this thread every few years...

Maybe it's destined to be the ultimate zombie thread and start resurrecting itself?

 

[Jayk]

That makes sense. That makes sense, I remeber a thread here about homemade soap experiments had a similer life span. And with it totally makes sense to post in the same thread, even if it is months later. Especially if you're using the information in said thread. Giving dating advice four yeas later, while the though is nice, hopefully by then the OP has solved their question already.

 

[SiBurning]

Giving dating advice four yeas later, while the though is nice, hopefully by then the OP has solved their question already.

Practice makes perfect?
We repeat our mistakes until we can repeat them perfectly.

 

[Jayk]

Maybe? or he is really shy, playing the really slow game?

 

[jamesspo]

+1. Unless the thread is of an archival nature, or a tutorial, I think best to start new. This is a discussion board, not a database. New discussion keeps things lively and current. B&Bers are a friendly bunch, and happy to answer questions that have been asked before.

Read the old one, start a new one.

 

[Heron]

Luc explained it perfectly:

I think if the information is good why not revive a thread! If you did not search and start a new thread, that's fine too. I personally like to have all my info in 1 spot so I would often bump an old thread because the information is good and I can add to it. If I cannot find what I need, I will then start a new thread.

Plus, a lot of old threads contain good information and advice from members who are no longer active on the forum. There are many old threads that I'm glad someone resurrected. I would never have found them otherwise. "Yes" for me on the poll.

hopefully by then the OP has solved their question already.

True, but part of the reason we answer the OP by posting in the forum for all to see instead of by PM is for the benefit of others in the same situation or with the same question, even years later. Sure, the OP made his decision but the information in the thread is still relevant.

 

[Black Adder]

I get a kick out of resurrected threads asking for girl advice or what-not, and guys start giving advice as if the OP asked earlier this week, rather than four years ago, whether or not he should ask this girl to the senior prom.

"I didn't get where I am today by resurrecting posts from 2009, Reggie!"

CJ

Maybe they found the original post by searching, or they scroll back page after page after page.... what I find breathtakingly mind-boggling is the fact that someone actually took the time to do this. I spend a lot of idle time on the internet, but wow.

Don