Dead Threads and Necro Posting ?

I think it really depends on the kind of thread and the content of the necropost. If it's to disagree with a years old thread or ask questions or answer a "is this a good razor" type of question (especially if the person the necropost is directed at is no longer active) then I think that is bad. But if it's something constructive or to bring back an old discussion that still has merit, that's good.

The majority of necroposts that I have seen are to argue with inactive members or talk about new methods/tools that weren't around/well known when the OP was made or to provide information that is no longer relevant due to the elapsed time (like here's another hone like the hone you were looking for 3 years ago).

I can't wait to see this thread resurected in a few years ;)

When searching technical things for work sometimes the post that brings back an old thread is the most useful.

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Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I think it really depends on the kind of thread and the content of the necropost. If it's to disagree with a years old thread or ask questions or answer a "is this a good razor" type of question (especially if the person the necropost is directed at is no longer active) then I think that is bad. But if it's something constructive or to bring back an old discussion that still has merit, that's good..

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this is how i see it.

Have there been discouraging remarks about resurrecting dead threads? :shrug:

I guess I do sympathize with someone who posts in a dead thread, asking a member questions who hasn't been active for 4 years. I have seen a bit of that going on.

The other thought I had is that products and techniques have certainly evolved, as has (dare I say) what we may consider conventional wisdom. Perhaps these older threads could benefit from a modern prospective. After all nowadays we do have more choices than the Norton 4k/8k.....:rofl2:

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. But it may be helpful to inform someone who appears to not realize that the people they are replying to left the discussion and/or the forum years ago so as not to leave them hanging. This does not mean the necroposter is bad or should be vilified - I think necroposting by the unaware is just sort of an internet faux pas. I've done it accidentally, and do it on purpose sometimes when I want to see if there is any renewed interest in a particular line of discussion, no big deal to me

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+1.

Threads usually involve discussion. After severl years, the posters which were involved are unlikely to still be there to read or respond. Because of that, it is generally frowned upon and a sign of 'bad' internet manners.

The only times when old threads should be revived is if pertinent new information is added which needs the original thread for context. For example, discussion about a court case, followed by adding the ruling when the case has filtered its way through the court system, a couple of years later. Things like that.

Generally it is much better to start a new thread and link to the old one unless there is actual value to reviving the original thread.