Contact with thread starter before a thread is closed
 

This could be a completely stupid idea, or it could be a good one, but I wanted to post it while it's on my mind.

I'm not a big fan of seeing threads closed, as many other people are the same way i'm sure. Especially when it's a thread that could create some good discussion. I'm wondering if there's a more constructive way we can go about it than just simply saying 'closed'. I'm not talking about those threads that are obviously duplicates of other threads, or those threads that get replies that are like...5 or 6 years old, i'm talking about the ones that are intellectual, a good read, and good debating, whether it's music or non related.

My suggestion would compile of the following:
-Deleting the posts that caused the thread to go off topic in the first place, and the people be warned not to make the thread go off topic.
-Informing the thread starter (if it's possible) to get the thread back on topic with a follow up to get people back onto the topic that they originally started. This could just be as simple as a video, or some more thoughts of theirs, or even referencing their opening post to get people to see that they want the thread to stay on the topic.

I think a threads future should be more in the hands of the person who started it and not the people who have the power to close it. I know it's a long shot, but I felt I needed to share it as it made sense in my head. Obviously, if the person who started the thread has no interest in getting the thread back on topic, it can be closed.

This is in no way a trash talk towards anybody, it's just something I wanted to share.

Thanks.

Generally, this is how we try to do it. I'd be hard pressed to find a thread that generated some good discussion that got closed permanently. Sometimes we will close them for a short period just to deter the trolls/off topic posters from continuing. Such is what happened with the Numerical Dimensions thread (and this is being taken care of).

If you had something more specific in mind, though, what would you suggest?

If I could take anything from my OP and have it be more specific, it'd be to contact the thread starter. I just find that if the person who started the thread is aware that their original topic is being taken away from the thread, i'd think they'd like some notification as to what's happening and why it's happening and hopefully they can resolve it. I'm not saying to do this on every thread that's closed, obviously. It'd sort of be like putting more responsibility on the person who started the thread, and perhaps it would allow for people to see how much people enjoy seeing their threads be a success.

You seriously want to deny Urban his thread-closing fetish?? :D:D

Actually, I just think this would be putting extra work on mods. If someone is in a thread, and wants it to continue they should themselves realise it's going off-topic and bring it back, although sometimes this isn't possible. I think the time potentially wasted by contacting people -- and let's remember, not everyone is a loser like me with nowhere else to go and so is here every day --- could be more profitably spent.
Also, don't forget many closed threads are started by someone who posed a question and then ****ed off, never to be seen again. Who then do the mods contact in that case?

I think threads are usually shown to be ready for closing or on the verge of being closed before the axe falls, although I do know Urban prowls the forum looking for unsuspecting threads he can brutalise and close, disappearing back into the thick soupy fog of old London Town... ;)

Personally, I think you're maybe (maybe) asking too much, but then I'm not a mod and it wouldn't really affect me, so what am I doing answering this? You know what? You're right. Seeya! :laughing:

^This has nothing to do with Urban. Like I said, it's either a good idea or a stupid idea, but I wanted to just put it out there.

Oh, I can think of a productive thread that was closed - and the thread starter was not effectively contacted.

I support the basic suggestion in this thread. I want to add that some threads should be closed or a "Calm down" message issued sooner, before people pile on with insults.

On my other forum, the mods just split it into new thread with the off topic posts. Assuming that the off topic posts merit a new thread of course.

Yeah, I love Urban, but he's definitely a bit too trigger happy about closing threads.

That's because I remember when this place had some standards & people weren't afraid to say to someone 'This thread is stupid, make more of effort.'

Usually, I agree with you when you wanna close a thread, but I seem to remember a few times where I thought it wasn't necessary, although I can't recall those instances ATM besides the spam thread.

That's why i'm putting out the idea that there should be more responsibility for the thread starter. If the thread doesn't start off strong, the content isn't strong. And instead of closing the thread, the OP gets contacted and should be responsible for getting the ball rolling again.