Locked topics

[Rex B]

Today I posted an announcement about CHL carry in National parks.

After two responses it was locked "Already a lengthy topic here"

The link led to the "Federal" section, which I don't think I've ever visited before. The responses consisted of mostly "Woohoo" and various High-Five icons.
Since the CHL section is the one most visited, and since this topic is important knowledge for CHL holders, cutting of discussion in the most active (and appropriate) forum seems a disservice to your members. Had this only been posted in "Federal" relatively few of your members would have received this information, at least not here.
For me, it has the effect of being hesitant to post new information. I looked for a related post before starting this topic, but I don't have time to search every nook and cranny of this board. I'm supposed to be working, after all

2nd topic was this one:

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... =7&t=20684" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

it was locked and directed to an earlier topic, which was related to police stops but the scenario was different.

In short, I believe someone is too quick to lock a topic. Link related topics, but give us a chance to find the information in the places we expect to see it.

[brianko]

While I'm in agreement with you, my opinion here isn't even worth the cost of a cup of coffee at QT. That said, you should probably consider clicking on the "View new posts" link and scan for new topics there. That's how I picked up on both the "woohoo" thread (two pages' worth) and your locked topic post.

[subsonic]

I'm in favor of locking duplicate topics. It prevents the annoyance of a dozen people posting the same news story or link, time after time, like I see on some poorly moderated forums.

In short, I believe someone is too quick to lock a topic. Link related topics, but give us a chance to find the information in the places we expect to see it.

Locking the duplicate and posting a link to the original (like you said the moderators did) accomplishes that.

[flb_78]

I click the "View New Posts" button after I go through "View your Posts"

That's how I found this topic!!!

[Keith B]

It is standard forum policy to lock duplicate topics, even if they are in different areas of the forum. Multiple threads on the same topic splinter the discussions and don't allow for everyone to easily read and contribute to the issue. It is also a strain to moderate as this creates additional posts to have to read. We do try to leave a similar thread open if it has a different twist on the topic, but would prefer members try to contribute to one common thread.

As the other members stated, it is helpful to use the View New Posts and see if there is already a thread started on a topic.

[Liberty]

The problem is mods assume that everyone reads every subgroup. I thought the the idea of subgroups was to present certain types of threads together and not force the reader to go to every thread. Even Chas found it appropriate to open 2 threads on open carry this week. Threads that are opened in the legislative are not read by as many people, but takes on a different character than messages than threads in the General forums or political forums. We never used to be so heavy handed, and I believe the general groups were much friendly and less restrictive appearing than it is now. This heavy handedness seems to be only a month or two old .

A gentlemen post some exciting news about us being allowed to carry in national parks. It really did take away a little bit from the joy to have that thread censored. Don't some topics deserve a couple of threads?

One of the mods suggest that its too much work for them to have more than one thread. Maybe more mods is the answer. Maybe the real question Are the Mods more important or the readers/ posters". Now understand that the mods work hard and may be under appreciated for what is huge effort. But I remember when we didn't have much moderators, the board was much more readable and the tone was friendlier. We have grown since, but I don't believe we have to be quite as heavy handed as we are.

[GrillKing]

I understand the concept of not having multiple threads on the same topic active simultaneously. However, some members are quick to point out "we already have a thread on that topic" and list a year old thread. A little fresh discussion is a good thing. Otherwise we will eventually reach the point we have covered it all, metaphorically speaking, and no discussion would be needed.

[thankGod]

I've had one of my topics locked. It's no big deal. There is no need for duplicate posts, when there is a "view active" topics. If there is a fresh take on a topic, or if the topic can be framed in a different manner for open discussion then that isn't a problem.

[KBCraig]

The problem in this argument is that people read the forum differently. I don't know how any can possibly read it and hope to keep up by browsing the sections, but not everyone is up to speed on using tabbed browsers.

I always enter the forum at the "view unread posts" link, then open each thread of interest in a new tab. I click the "new" button to start reading each thread at the first unread message.

I also think there are too many sub-forums, but that's hard to balance.