Bumping of threads older than 6 months - what's the general consensus?

Moderators - if I've put this in the wrong place, please put it in the right place.

Hi Trainzers,

I'm interested in what others have to say about this.

Over the last few days or so, I've noticed members (usually new ones) bumping threads that have not been updated in the last 6 months or so with information that either does not relate to the topic, or asking something about a topic or site that is a few years old and may not even exist nowadays.

What do other members think of this? I personally feel that threads that haven't been updated in the last 6 months or so (especially ones in the Archive section) should really be left alone unless the information added is directly relevant to the subject of the thread (or an update from the thread's original poster) and the resource mentioned is still available.

Shane

It's okay, if the user is actually adding something. If the user is not adding anything, then it is not good.

For a new user most threads will be unread and they may as being unfamiliar with the forum not be aware that there is a date. As to others, depends if it is relevant. Don't think you can make a one size fits all. Personally I'm not bothered by it, not as if its a major problem and sometimes it does bump a previously unseen interesting thread.

If you have a point to bring across on an 6 year old thread it is perfctly OK to bump a thread.

Even if it is a very cool screenshot thread that has gone vaporware, as long as you post something relevant, it is OK to bump a several year old thread.

Bumping threads with wanton reckless abandon

I agree that if they are posting something relevant, then it is fine. However, if they are just posting to post or asking if some item will be finished (even though it probably hasn't been worked on it a long time) then that's no good.

I don't see the point of the question, a bumped thread causes no harm, and can be ignored if that is your preference. Shane, in a previous post you mentioned that bumped threads irritated you, if they do then don't read them. Please, don't try to force your blinkered outlook onto others.

If someone has a good reason to bump a thread or doesn't realise they are doing it, try to educate them not coerce them. My vote is no, we don't need another rule to follow, especially in a matter as trifling and petty as this one.

Peter

Thankyou all for your responses so far. I'm not going to attack anyone's opinion here, as I did state that I wanted a general consensus.

Shane

I am aware of that, but my concern is that bumped threads may do more harm than good in some instances. I would like to educate people on it, but that's easier said than done, and there are several things in this forum that people need educating about, and this is one of them.

Quite often I only find that it's been bumped if I read the thread - one thread not too long ago (involving Checkrail) caused confusion because someone bumped a thread that said it was open when at the time, it had been closed again.

Shane

P.S. The fact I have a learning disability doesn't help either, as the way things come across to me (and the way I handle things) are different to how most other people do.

All threads are pretty much self regulating. Interesting, informative and fun threads will bubble on, niche, tedious or time limited threads will die.

Mine always seem to die.

I don't think it matters, if the subject is of interest that's OK. Six months seems a bit arbitrary, some models take longer than this to make and to me the fewer rules the more relaxed the forum seems which is probably not a bad thing.

Cheerio John

Even if there were rules it would still happen. The person doing it would doubtless be new or have done it without realising - and they would probably get a ticking off from a few people in here. Hardly the ideal way to welcome new people to the forum.

I much prefer a few bumped threads to the suffocating rules and moderation you get elsewhere. UKTS being a prime example of how not to run a forum in my opinion.

I know what you mean regarding UKTS - I've seen their forum.

I'm thinking more on educating newer users on the best way of avoiding problems with other forum users.

Shane

Hi All,

Shane,
I would share my experiences, because I am moderator - not here of course.
If we had an "old thread" (we don’t have so much like here), we always close and archive the thread after two years of inactivity.
But if someone bumps an "old" thread we never warn the user because in most cases they are new users and it is uncomfortable for everyone, because:

1) Try to be in his shoes: “I am a new member I just wanted to ask something and they hurt me.” It is bad for everyone because he will believe that the members of the community are arrogant people and it is better not to visit the forum… Who needs this uncomfortable situation? Me? – no thanks. It is bad for everyone.
This situation is more unpleasant in an international forum like here… Especially when the user is from a foreign country…

2) The other general fact is when he says something in connection with the theme of the thread, and yes, he knows that there is a topic and he doesn’t want open a similar topic…

And finally (in my opinion) there are any “old bumped” thread here. Why should I open an new thread in connection with a theme when I see that there is an other one? The main goal of this forum is communication and sharing experiences. We are humans, we help to each other. And we are international. I would have done the same thing like the greek guy. I sincerely hope he does not (and you are not) offended.
And nobody wants to rule the forum.

Krisz

Let me get back with you later on that.

Good Morning All
We do not mind bumping of old threads, and we most certainly will not actively restrict this, however doing so should be done within reason. If the post is not constructive (e.g. posting "I like that!", or similar) then we may remove it if we see it. However, if the post is reasonably on-topic, or adding to the topic, then generally it is fine. It's no different to starting a new thread with the same name...

Regards

ZecMurphy said:

Good Morning All
We do not mind bumping of old threads, and we most certainly will not actively restrict this, however doing so should be done within reason. If the post is not constructive (e.g. posting "I like that!", or similar) then we may remove it if we see it. However, if the post is reasonably on-topic, or adding to the topic, then generally it is fine. It's no different to starting a new thread with the same name...

Regards

Click to expand...

You never know, this kind of sensible talk may just catch on.

Bump................:hehe:

Seems to me there is a bit of a "stuck between a rock and a hard place" thing here.

If somebody starts a new thread asking an old question, pretty fair chance two out of the first three replies are going to tell them to use the 'Search' function. Pretty much the only way to bump an old thread is as a result of using the search function, at which point two out of three replies will tell you not to bump old threads!!!!!!

As to concerns regarding mis-information about Checkrail's 'up' or 'down' state, historically there is a 50-50 chance that whichever answer you found was correct

shaneturner12 said:

...I'm thinking more on educating newer users on the best way of avoiding problems with other forum users....

Click to expand...

About time you wrote a "How to use the forum" tutorial then Shane !

Chris.

FWIW, I've always said that if a thread exists then use it, even if it's on this forum and 7 years old, my pet peeve is having 3, or, 4, threads, all on the exact same subject, this one for example.......:hehe:

Cheerz. ex-railwayman.