Joined: Jan '08
Location: Brazil
Age: 44 (M)
Posts: 1788
One of the most common sights here at the brm forum, especially for older members, is the creation of duplicate threads; no mistery, we´ve been here long enough to see and participate in so many threads, that it becomes easy to identify twins. This is also a very delicate subject to talk about, mainly because I can sympathise with both arguments and sides:
One side claims that it is a pain to go searching through all threads of the forum to see if someone has already asked or brought up the same topic. People have questions and want quick effective answers. The sooner, the better. So it´s best to create exactly what you want instantly and then only wait for the answers.
The other side claims that the creation of similar threads is a waste of space and time, when you can quickly search for a similiar topic, therefore going straight to the point and the heart of the matter. Simple, fast and definately cleaner, without polluting the forum with clones.
So what is the best solution? I have no idea, well, actually it has been brought up in the past, the possibility of having a topic filter when creating a new thread. So when you type in the subject, it automatically searches the forum for similar words and shows a quick list, that way it solves all problems and pleases both sides!
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Canada
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 1354
its hard to say what side im on cuz i guess well im on both sides but the topic filter would be a great idea.. i personally would like to see a stop to atleast smaller margin of duplicate threads because the old ones may have more valueable information or tips that could help you out, and can be easily missed by creating a new thread...
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Brazil
Age: 44 (M)
Posts: 1788
Posted by Zon: I'm anew member here it is a way for people to get to know me .And what I thinking about .
Of course Zon, please do post about your thoughts and yourself in general. The issue here is when it comes to more technical questions like bonuses, rules and regulations, points, etc.
The off-topic threads are nearly impossible to prevent duplicates, mainly because it is basic opinion and everyone has one regarding the same issue. In this case, it is just funny to see how many threads are created about basically the same thing. I see it all the time and must admit I get a kick out of it. I try sometimes to point the new thread in the old thread´s direction by posting a link, but it rarely works unless Admin locks it.
Well, anyway, welcome to the forum and best of luck to you.
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Canada
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 1354
yea its to bad that there isnt a way to tie the threads together and like combine together in any way.. cuz then that would be the best of both worlds really lol but it would be to hard i guess to do that
Joined: Aug '07
Location: Malta
Age: 41 (M)
Posts: 8320
There just has to be a balance. A forum is about discussing stuff, so if everybody used the search instead the forum, then it would just be a big FAQ.
And again, if nobody used the search, there would be tons of duplicates.
So a balance is needed, and that can be done by locking duplicates fast when they are created. But also to have a "live search" of similar threads, when a new thread is being created. Then people is "forced" to search and might find an anwer before they post thread.
Joined: Feb '08
Location: United States
Age: 34 (M)
Posts: 179
i actually completely agree with you admin, it is a delicate balance that i dont think should be changed, new threads (even if duplicate) keeps the board fresh
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Brazil
Age: 44 (M)
Posts: 1788
Let´s just not forget that fresh sometimes can become a bit repetitive when it is not properly looked out for. I agree with you Tony, most of the times it is obvious that between a duplicate thread and losing a new member, hey, let there be duplicates if it sparks some conversations, but we also have to keep in mind that by preventing the creation of duplicates, we are actually motivating people to come up with and create "new material" which then can really be considered "fresh". But yes, I do understand your point of view and I agree, what I just explained is something additional to that.
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Canada
Age: 37 (M)
Posts: 1354
admin what about the live search but in the live search say the top hit has a little expanded window where you can see what was posted and then if its directly related to what you need you can just go there... and posts your question in that thread? once posted that thread will become top the the list again??
like how you can see the 1st post and last post in the forum.. same thing for the live search?
Joined: Jan '08
Location: Canada
Age: 36 (M)
Posts: 2698
Posted by thefodz: So when you type in the subject, it automatically searches the forum for similar words and shows a quick list, that way it solves all problems and pleases both sides!
What do you all think? What side are you on?
I'm on the dark side, join me.
...I think its a good idea..yahoo answers has the same thing and when I start to write a question than the same question pops up if it already has been asked.
Joined: Aug '07
Location: Malta
Age: 41 (M)
Posts: 8320
Posted by xxxitaliaxxx13: admin what about the live search but in the live search say the top hit has a little expanded window where you can see what was posted and then if its directly related to what you need you can just go there... and posts your question in that thread? once posted that thread will become top the the list again??
like how you can see the 1st post and last post in the forum.. same thing for the live search?
Thats sort of the plan. Only thing , it might be difficult to force a users new thread to be posted in an existing thread, cause the system will never be able to tell for 100% sure, that the new thread is in fact about the same thing as already posted earlier.
But, hopefully it will help against a few duplicates with the live-search-box when creating a new thread.
Joined: Dec '07
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 43 (F)
Posts: 845
i guess it depends on the quality of the post or thread. I do see duplicate threads now and again but as someone said it may be because they didnt see it posted earlier or they just cant find it in the search cause of a wrong typed word or something. Yet again another great point from fodz
