Closing threads

[cwj]

This is the only forum I've been on where one can close their own threads.
Seems like a good idea at first, but then someone will basically state an opinion on their thread and then immediately close it when someone disagrees.
I find that more than a little weird.

Starting a topic in Thunderdome obviously means one expects some heated discussion. People who close their own threads should just start a blog, in my opinion.

[JediKnight]

I guess that's how some people "win" an argument.

[cwj]

True.

Interesting, I just closed this thread and then could reopen it...wasn't aware one could reopen. Pretty neat actually :)

[Tony]

The reason we do this is simple - because if someone asked staff to close their own thread, we would never say "no". So why make extra work for ourselves?

You are correct this could lead to abuse. However, this has only happened once and after the 2nd or 3rd instant closure a PM was all it took to remind the miscreant that this was a discussion forum and that they should take the one-offs to their blog.

[cwj]

I see, that makes sense Tony:thumb10:
I think its an unusual, but interesting feature.

No doubt it can be useful at times.
Remember my suggested and eventually ill-fated "Spirituality" forum that turned out to be anything but?
I recall closing one of my own threads there due to two forum friends arguing (can't remember the exact topic, something religious no doubt :) ).
Anyway that was quite a while ago.

[Tony]

I should add a note: Anyone closing a thread should actually say so. Otherwise people complain and I have to go digging through the logs to see who did it. You don't have to publish a magnum opus; just say you're closing it. Also don't get upset if you don't say it and we reopen the thread, because OPs close threads all the time by mistake.

[cindylu]

Hmmm. In a way the site "governs" itself. I remember in the beginning people complained when threads were closed. Its smart just to let some threads "work themselves out".

[Steveo]

Wooooo Cindy that could take a loooong time LOL

[Ricky]

I vote to close this thread.

[cindylu]

Wooooo Cindy that could take a loooong time LOL

Yeah, I now realize what a dopey thought this was! :)