I don't think it is unreasonable to consolidate posts, especially when some one starts a new thread that is identical to the existing thread.
People sometimes 'subscribe' to threads so they get emails of new items that interest them.
- When a thread gets hijacked by some one starting a new thread and the new posts on the subject get split between multiple threads the person no longer gets email updates on the subject.
- When a thread gets hijacked by going way off subject, then the person gets emails about posts that are, well, just way off subject.
Thread consolidation helps keep things organized. If people post in the existing thread, where they should do, then the thread does pop back up to the top of the category.
Now I did not write the board software, and I don't own it, and there are many things I would like to see improved. It is an extraordinary hassle for me to move messages from one thread to another. So some times, when its a regular offender who should know better, I send them a PM asking them to repost the message on the existing thread, and kill the new thread.
- I also edit some messages:
Some times to take out un-necessary blank lines;
- or fix font formating problems;
- or remove language that is inappropriate to the board or the subject;
- or to prevent the thread getting way off topic;
- or fix common problems with readability: Like capitalizing the word 'I' or the first letters of sentences;
- or just to fix garbled English.
The goal is readability! So I try to keep subjects in one thread, keep requests to meet up in the contacts section etc. I have created a new section for links to pictures and videos, because recently a lot of links to pictures were starting to pop up in threads and readers found them distracting and often off topic.
New threads also get deleted when a new poster starts a question like "Has any one worn a thong in St Martin." DUH, when we have extensive existing threads on the subject. People need to read before posting, and that includes using the search function, then they may find that their 'new' question has already been answered dozens of times.
This is not a sight for flashing, or for gays trolling for twinkles in tighty whites, or for showing off photos of ones bulge. There are plenty of sites on the web for that. This is a site for people who wear thongs to the beach, and for them to write about the places they can wear thongs in public and their experiences and issues.
One last note: There is no age limit for this board. You can thong at any age, young or old, so I try to keep the content more or less PG. We are also restricted by the Aimoo terms of service to keeping things PG. For some people the thought of thongs and sex is interwoven in such a way that they seem unable to write about thongs with out writing about their sexual escapades. These people end up with the most editing, or in some case deletion of the posts.
