How do you feel about necro posting?

[Shawn Gossman]

Necro posting is when members reply to topics that haven't had any replies in a very long time. Maybe even years.

Some forums lock old topics or archive them. Some have rules against necro posting.

How do you feel about it? Do you allow it? Why? If not, why not?

 

[Cpvr]

I have no issues with necro-posting; I’d rather a user respond to an older topic than create a new one on the same subject.

I’m also not a fan of locking old topics—I prefer to keep them open.

 

[AWS]

I never lock topics unless they turn into a flame war. Have no problems if users dig up old threads.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I have no issues with necro-posting; I’d rather a user respond to an older topic than create a new one on the same subject.

I’m also not a fan of locking old topics—I prefer to keep them open.

This! 100%!

I think scolding someone for necro posting would basically discourage them from posting ever again.

 

[Mike30]

I don't like to lock old threads, unless it's outdated/out of time/not valid any more.
if the thread was open, and a user posted on it. I would simple lock it after it.
And basically thank the user for letting me know/notice that outdated topic.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I don't think I've ever even looked at how to lock older topics.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I’ve seen some forums use middle ground - Just a warning header that the topic you’re replying to is more than x days old

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I’ve seen some forums use middle ground - Just a warning header that the topic you’re replying to is more than x days old

I think that's okay. That explains to the member that no one is talking about it anymore. However, if they have something useful to contribute or a question that restarts it, I say more power to you!

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I think that's okay. That explains to the member that no one is talking about it anymore. However, if they have something useful to contribute or a question that restarts it, I say more power to you!

I think it’s good,

 

[JoelR]

This is entirely contextual to the timeliness of the thread.

If it's an evergreen topic, keep the conversation going. It's okay if they post a year later! One of my most favorite things is going through the decade of conversation on Admin Junkies and seeing how timeless some of the conversations are!

If it's a topic with a clearly defined end date (eg. a software release, an annual event), then adding a new post that doesn't match to the current version would not be appropriate. You should plan more proactive maintenance on your threads, like archiving and pruning and locking

The better question is, in this second scenario, how do we surface more recent and relevant threads?

Usually when I see necro posting, it's from a new member who was directed to the thread through the search engine, which presented the information to them.

 

[Shortie]

I have no issues with necro posting myself as long as the old thread that was posted in offers engagement and is still relevant at the time. In some cases, you can strike up engagement again by resurfacing old threads and I do like that.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Usually when I see necro posting, it's from a new member who was directed to the thread through the search engine, which presented the information to them.

Interesting.

I like that you pointed this out. I never really thought about that one. I do see some members go around and bring up older posts though here and there, maybe because they post a lot and are looking for more content to post on.

If it's evergreen as you say, I say eat your heart out and post away.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

Interesting.

I like that you pointed this out. I never really thought about that one. I do see some members go around and bring up older posts though here and there, maybe because they post a lot and are looking for more content to post on.

If it's evergreen as you say, I say eat your heart out and post away.

Sadly most assume it’s spammers Talk about jumping to conclusions !

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Sadly most assume it’s spammers Talk about jumping to conclusions !

I can see where that would be easy, especially if they have signature links.