INFORMATION SESSION 1 — Thread closing

What is closing a thread?
To close a thread means to prevent any further posts on that thread.

Why do moderators close threads?
A moderator or admin might close a thread typically because there has been a pattern of misconduct on the thread and wishes to prevent any further rule-breaking there, or because the topic of the thread no longer has any relevance.

What will cause my thread to be closed?
According to our moderation policy, we may need to close a thread if it meets any of the following conditions:

• The rules of the individual forum or site in general do not allow the thread's topic to be discussed, or the thread was created for the purpose of advertising. For instance, if someone started a thread about game emulators, which this topic says can't be discussed, we are required to close that thread. Advertising is itself a trickier issue, and we may close or delete threads that are started to advertise a paid service, a service substantially similar to SuperCheats, or anything else that is not relevant to the theme of the board.
  


• Too many members have been breaking other posting rules in the thread. A thread may start out fine and well, but if it devolves into a flame war (an exchange of insults between members) or touches on subjects that are not allowed here, we may need to close the thread in order to defuse the situation. In some cases, members who have caused such problems in threads might be banned for various periods of time.
  


• The posts in the thread have since gone way off topic. If a thread's topic is about cheese, but subsequent posts are more about Nazi Germany than cheese, we may close the thread if there is little hope of getting everyone back on topic.
  


• The thread is too long. We rarely close threads for this reason, and if we do, they are usually pinned or have been on the board for a long time, and most of the older posts no longer have any relevance.
  


• The thread is a rules or information thread. A moderator might pin and close a thread to make sure that members read it first and because there is little need for discussion of those rules. If discussion of a rule is absolutely necessary, it is best to start a thread here or contact the moderator who posted the thread.
  


• The thread was started a long time ago and no longer has any relevance. This is usually referred to as 'bumping' a thread. If somebody has asked for help two years ago and somebody comes along now and offers help, we may close that thread under the assumption that the problem has already been resolved.
  


• The thread's topic is already covered by another recently created thread. If you start a thread about Gouda cheese but a thread about cheeses in general already exists, your thread may be closed.
  


• Other, usually technical, issues.
  

« Last edited by Cross Stinger on Jul 7th 2011 »

I love the cheese analogy.

Having a cheese craving are we?

Just a little feedback, to make it easier to read, you could space it all out a little more. Very clear though.

The last bullet is the qwertyuio clause isn't it? XD

qwertyuio said:

The last bullet is the qwertyuio clause isn't it? XD

You mean the "whoops, my finger 'slipped'" clause?

I don't think I've laughed so hard all day.

See because finger slipped like he clicked Delete Post.

But also because it's like "whoa, didn't mean to pull the trigger and shoot you."

Things like that yeah. xD

Now if only there wasn't a confirmation button on that delete post thing...

Get it? Cause, bullet. Gun. It's punny.

I like these information sessions, they keep me informed.

I like how many members have posted in here showing interest.

You're the first.

I think you deserve a prize.

tbug2007 said:

You're the first.

I think you deserve a prize.

Cross Stinger said:

The posts in the thread have since gone way off topic. If a thread's topic is about cheese, but subsequent posts are more about Nazi Germany than cheese, we may close the thread if there is little hope of getting everyone back on topic.

I can imagine how such a topic will go:
"Hey guys, does anyone know anything about the history of cheese?"
"I know certain european countries are famous for it."
"Like Germany"
"Germany isn't famous for cheese lol they're famous for starting wars"
"Blame Hitler"
"I think the entire Germany was to blame for electing the Nazi's in the first place..."

See how easy a topic can change

BURNOUTFREAK said:

Cross Stinger said:

The posts in the thread have since gone way off topic. If a thread's topic is about cheese, but subsequent posts are more about Nazi Germany than cheese, we may close the thread if there is little hope of getting everyone back on topic.

I can imagine how such a topic will go:
"Hey guys, does anyone know anything about the history of cheese?"
"I know certain european countries are famous for it."
"Like Germany"
"Germany isn't famous for cheese lol they're famous for starting wars "
"Blame Hitler"
"I think the entire Germany was to blame for electing the Nazi's in the first place..."

See how easy a topic can change

You might be talking about the wrong country and/or countries

^Another example of changing the topic.

balthiersbit said:

^Another example of changing the topic.

Touche. Of course, until you posted, I didn't realize how quick the topic can really change. o.O

Lol.

Imagine if I hadnt posted anything and someone took offense to your post or wanted to argue? It would have went all downhill from there.

And then some supermod comes in, shouts a bit and then closes the topic and poor Admin Crossy ends up all sad as his cheese topic has been closed.

Actually, I was referring to a movie with Jackie Chan in it. Its an action/comedy type thing.

« Last edited by drybones81397 on Jul 8th 2011 »

TestVirus101 said:

tbug2007 said:

You're the first.

I think you deserve a prize.

I'd rather have the cheese mentioned above.

« Last edited by Vasco on Jul 8th 2011 »

Oh Lord, imagine the irony if this thread gets closed for going off topic.