View Full Version : Splitting Threads - What do you think?
Ben Panter
26-02-2007, 13:44
There are occasions when threads grow beyond a size at which they can be understood - the current 250+ post behemoth (http://www.bsacforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=6485) as a case study. To try to make things more coherent, as admins we can attempt to split threads, but it's not something we've ever really done much of in the past and could go horribly wrong.
What would happen?
A huge thread would be split into several chunks, each with it's own title. The first post in each thread would be roughly the point where the topic diverged, and would contain a link to the original thread.
Why would we want to do it? Well the topic covers subjects as diverse as Traditional vs. Direct vs. Internet branches, the subsidy of SDCs and the ITS as well as the original "How can I get training if I'm not in a branch". A future search on the secondary topics would mean that you had to wade through a lot of irrelevant information, and given the topic title would probably not bother anyway.
Why would we not want to do it? Because without careful attention it could go horribly wrong. Because people might be upset that they've suddenly become the head of a thread that they didn't mean to start. Because it's more work for us.
Anyway, over to you. Any opinion offered doesn't necessarily mean that we'll do it, but it would be nice to know what people think before we launch into something with, as ever, the best of intentions...
cheers,
Ben
(On behalf of the admin team)
Steve Grrr
26-02-2007, 14:14
I would suggest encouraging people to change titles when they are addressing a divergent point. That way it is easier to see which posts relate to which subtopics.
If the admins are going to intervene, would it be possible to do so by retitling divergent threads but leaving them in place?
Steve
Even if threads wander off topic you still need to keep them in the context of where they started.
People like to waffle on, topics will nearly always change. I usually ignore a thread as soon as it goes off topic.
Nigel Hewitt
26-02-2007, 16:47
No No No!
When I'm in mid argument with this mob please don't interrupt and set us right.
Deviation is a valid move in a discussion.
That will just make moderators the bad guys.
Stick to moderating just before we come to blows.
You still won't get any thanks but at least you did right.
It's the internet. Threads go off topic. If someone is interested they can bring it back on topic.
I think moderation should be your watchword when moderating :) The best boards I am a member of tend to have the least active moderations - the members do it.
Janos
hilrosepaul
26-02-2007, 17:28
I would suggest encouraging people to change titles when they are addressing a divergent point. That way it is easier to see which posts relate to which subtopics.
If the admins are going to intervene, would it be possible to do so by retitling divergent threads but leaving them in place?
Steve
What he said
Paul
Steve in Sharm
28-02-2007, 13:31
No No No!
When I'm in mid argument with this mob please don't interrupt and set us right.
Deviation is a valid move in a discussion.
That will just make moderators the bad guys.
Stick to moderating just before we come to blows.
You still won't get any thanks but at least you did right.
Adrian, I've changed my mind now that I voted......
What Nigel Said...:D
Personally I don't mind thread wander. Unsurprising as I am one of the main culprits :o
Provided the threads are linked in both directions you will not hear me complaining they have been split.
I can only suggest that the moderators use their discretion.
Adrian Kelland
28-02-2007, 19:31
Pretty much a dead heat.
Can't please all the people etc... :D
Badders (Dave)
28-02-2007, 19:33
I voted for the over 100 posts one
I would be in the no camp.
But after that big thread about "training when not a member" I think really big threads need something doing to them, to make them more readable
WHY: I think most people post on a forum because they want their opinion heard, or at least seen, that's the point of posting isn't it? My experience with such a BEAST as that big thread, is I just to ignore it because it's to much like hard work trying to follow it.
Badders
Nonononononononononononononononononononononononono nononononononononononononon - please add your own spaces.
FFS, I can only just find my way back to an original post without splitting posts into bits!!
Think of it as a shot line - I only have a very slim chance of finding it again.
:)
Am I allowed an opinion in this with me being a mere PADI diver? If it helps, I am certain I have a SAC somewhere in or on my body and my first name begins with a B.
My experience with such a BEAST as that big thread, is I just to ignore it because it's to much like hard work trying to follow it.
Just use the New Posts link at the top of the page, then you only see the stuff you have not read yet so it becomes easy
This raises some worrying questions.......
Does topic drift require deployment of a blob? And, if so, can one get training for this even as a direct member? :D
Hmmm.... I seem to be in a less than serious mood today.......
Adrian Kelland
01-03-2007, 11:58
This raises some worrying questions.......
Does topic drift require deployment of a blob? And, if so, can one get training for this even as a direct member? :D
Hmmm.... I seem to be in a less than serious mood today.......
A blob for a drifting topic - what if it stays 'current'? :D
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