"necro bumps"

[size_m]

i don't understand why it is supposed to be a bad thing to use older threads again which is called "necro bumping" by a lot of forum members.

 

i always thought we are supposed to use the search function before starting a new thread to avoid multiple threads for the same topic.

 

so maybe the forum team should make clear for the community if we should rather use the search function and use existing threads or rather start always new threads for the same topic to avoid "necro bumping".

 

if there is already an old thread about something which becomes up-to-date again for some member why not use that old existing thread for it??

 

if the team decides against "necro bumping" then the search function is not needed anymore and all those older thread should be closed to avoid any newer replies in them.

 

[Jimmy]

There's no particular use or requirement for using old topics or as they call it "grave digging" or "bumping" them. This is the first I've heard of someone associating the term "necro". And no, the forum team doesn't have to make it clear regarding when you should bump a topic and when you shouldn't. The "when" question solely depends upon using common sense. If you are still unsure at a particular point, just PM a Community Staff or Moderator on the subject.

 

Quote

if there is already an old thread about something which becomes up-to-date again for some member why not use that old existing thread for it??

It happens a lot of times, if the content is too relevant or simply a new thread is started to keep the fact more up to date. This may happen when the OP (original topic poster) is different or no longer active or when it is felt that the old posts don't need attention compared to new details.

 

Quote

if the team decides against "necro bumping" then the search function is not needed anymore and all those older thread should be closed to avoid any newer replies in them.

Once again, there is no particular time for it. The staff can't go around finding dead topics and locking them. If there's an old, dead topic; better to leave it in the current state than bringing any unnecessary attention to it. If a situation arises when unneeded new replies are posted, it is brought to the attention of a particular staff member who in turn closes the topic.

[size_m]

46 minutes ago, Jimmy said:

...

 

It happens a lot of times, if the content is too relevant or simply a new thread is started to keep the fact more up to date. This may happen when the OP (original topic poster) is different or no longer active or when it is felt that the old posts don't need attention compared to new details.

...

yes, but even in those cases there is almost everytime someone coming into the thread complaining that it was "necro bumping" or whatever it also might be called.

that's just annoying.

that's why i would like some rule or announcement from the team how they think about this matter.

something like, is it ok to "necro bump" a thread if it is the same topic or rather start a newer duplicate

thread?

and also, if it is not ok using old threads again, how old can these threads be to still use them and when are they too old to be digged out again.

 

for me it is common sense to use an already exisiting thread for the same topic no matter how old the thread is.

i don't want to start new duplicate threads just because the existing ones are old.

too many duplicate threads just cluster the forums and make them more chaotic.

Edited February 6, 2019 by size_m

[size_m]

here is another recent example:

https://gtaforums.com/topic/700551-how-do-you-level-up-strength/page/2/

(the last post on the last page)

the moderator machbud1 closed that thread just because of "necro bumping".

 

why?

what's so bad about using old existing threads for the same topic instead of starting new ones??

i really don't get it.

 

edit: by the way the forum rules say to this issue: "do not bump a topic unless needed".

so if you have something new to contribute to the topic it should be totally ok to use an older thread.

the rules also say "double posting is frowned upon".

so better use an existing thread instead of double posting.

or am i wrong?

Edited April 12, 2019 by size_m

[Jason]

The rule about not making duplicate threads and using the search feature is mainly there to stop people who are looking for easily attainable information but they just can't be arsed spending 1 minute to look for it.

 

As for necroing, it depends on context really. If it's a thread seeking information it is generally better to start a new thread to get up to date information. If it's a thread to discuss something specific and unchanging, say something like a thread about a TV show or film, then old threads and posts are still relevant.

 

Even then, it's entirely up to the staff making the decision. Sometimes it's just better to start a fresh new discussion regardless of context.

[Mach1bud]

1 hour ago, size_m said:

why?

 

1 hour ago, size_m said:

"do not bump a topic unless needed".

His post was unneeded and added no new information to a very basic topic that's been covered thousands of times in topics and videos across the internet.

[ṼirulenⱦEqừinox]

 

 

1

On 4/12/2019 at 10:20 AM, size_m said:

edit: by the way the forum rules say to this issue: "do not bump a topic unless needed".

so if you have something new to contribute to the topic it should be totally ok to use an older thread.

the rules also say "double posting is frowned upon".

so better use an existing thread instead of double posting.

or am i wrong?

Maybe I can sum it up for you regarding this.

 

As the forum rules state don't bump a year old thread unless needed right?

 

What they are saying is, If you have something substantial to add to the threads such as new information or a decent reply to the OP post that's more than two words then it's okay to bump the thread as long as you are contributing to the thread itself.

 

What they frown upon is people who bump a thread from 2013 to simply say lol or to post a stupid reply such as trying to start an argument with someone who posted back in 2013, mocking or making fun of the OP or posting an answer to a question to a thread that is now irrelevant such as Tank Sniping which was patched in 2013

 

Does this make sense now?

[TheGameLetMeDoIt]

This thread is still relevant because, after a thread I just contributed to was closed (presumably for necro bumping), I ran a google search about necro bumping and this thread appeared. After reading it, I have further questions that other people undoubtedly have too.

 

I understand that necro bump replies that are as simple as “lol” etc. aren’t warranted. I also understand that topics that are outdated (for example, tank sniping) don’t warrant a necro bump reply.

 

What I don’t understand is, what’s the harm in continuing a discussion (even if it’s only with current users) in an already existing thread about a subject that is not outdated?

 

Let’s be real, most threads on this forum aren’t particularly important anyway. They exist for those who want to read them and contribute to them…nobody is put out by needing to *gasp* NOT click on it and read it.

 

Clearly, there’s no formal interest in combing through old threads and closing them to prevent unwarranted necro bump replies, so it can’t be space on the server that’s of concern.

 

From the perspective of most observers, it appears that the norms surrounding the search function, necro bumping, and creating new threads serve as a gatekeeping mechanism to establish who’s in the know and who isn’t eternally online.

Edited September 1, 2023 by TheGameLetMeDoIt

[uNi]

Personally I always ignore necro bumping as long the user is adding to or continuing the discussion as you mentioned.