Do you close old threads on your forum?

[Baw$e]

I've seen forums with posts that were created years ago, do you keep these threads open or close them?

Personally, I'd probably close the threads, and let my members create similar discussions if they wanted too. New content is better.

 

[zappaDPJ]

I guess it might be niche dependent but I've never owned a forum where we thought it would be beneficial to close any thread except where moderation has become necessary.

 

[Page]

Not really, if it gets bumped and it's real old and depends on what the subject is then I close it

Mostly all open

 

[Dismal_Bliss]

Yes, we have our system set to lock dead topics after 1 year of no activity (not the site advertised in my signature).

 

[cpvr]

No, I don’t lock old threads because there’s always a chance new users will want to add their own opinions and thoughts on those particular topics.

 

[PGen98]

Nope, we don't lock old threads. I'm fine with people bumping old threads if they're contributing to the topic.

 

[Uncrowned Guard]

I have it setup where dead topics get archived after 5 years. Otherwise it is really a per case situation and I let staff handle it as they choose.

 

[Katrina]

No, I don’t lock old threads because there’s always a chance new users will want to add their own opinions and thoughts on those particular topics.

That's my reasoning too on Christianity Haven. Plus, sometimes someone discusses something and a member remembers an old thread and bumps it up because it adds to the other discussion.

 

[KensonPlays]

Honestly, it would depend on the thread topic myself. If it's something that would benefit from a new thread, then I'll close it, start a new one and reference the old (now read-only) thread in the OP.

But for things like forum games (in an area that doesn't count points) I'll leave them alone generally, even if its long periods of time between responses.

 

[Deleted member 31696]

I leave them alone. Even if current members are no long posting in dead threads doesn't mean new members won't.

 

[Fidelia]

I don't think it is completely right to delete old threads. There might be valuable information that a new user might find very helpful in old threads. I am saying this from experience. Even visitors might find very vital information on those old threads.

 

[Dismal_Bliss]

I don't think it is completely right to delete old threads. There might be valuable information that a new user might find very helpful in old threads. I am saying this from experience. Even visitors might find very vital information on those old threads.

I don't delete them. I just lock them after a couple years of zero activity. Oftentimes the original particpants have moved on, so it's better for the new guy to start a new topic.

 

[Demon_skeith]

In a few of my boards I do, like my welcome section, no need to welcome people who have been around more than a month lol.