Hey all. I remember when Jeff wrote this:

Originally posted by Jeff Hunter:
The Shoplifting Thread is also getting a large number of hits.
For now the best thing you can do is to split large threads up into multiple smaller threads (10 pages or fewer). If you see a thread getting large, close it, sticky it, and open a new one (Part 2, or 8 as the case may be).
I'm looking at installing more memory and using Squid to cache pages, which should take a large load off the database, especially in cases where a thread is hugely popular. In the meantime, try to keep threads to less than 10 pages.


So far, I've been sticking to this pretty much. The bioshock threads, the photo threads, the..having sex with dolphin threads..


But I've a few concerns, and I was hoping that you guys would be able to give some of your good advice which I appreciate so much.


1-Some people can not grasp that I'm doing this because Jeff has requested it. I'm getting alot more hatemail, despite the fact I explain why I close each thread and express how people are very welcome to make a new one.

2- Unless something has changed, there's not a method of archiving threads, is there?
This means that when I close the old thread and someone makes an new one, the old one gets bumped down and off the page and eventually dissapears.
This is a terrible thing, as alot of these threads are informative and awesome. It seems bad to obliterate such vital sources of information.

I know the suggestion of sticking the old threads has been made, but really, has anyone seen how many stickies there are in all the forums allready?

I dont feel that cluttering up the first page of a forum with more and more stickies would be good, especially considering how fast some of the big threads grow.

In S&A the photo thread is getting massive again, as this sort of thread tends to, and I can foresee, if I sticky each one, there's soon going to be "photo thread V.18 " and the likes.
I'm wary of doing things in forums that have more active mods, because I feel that it's stepping on toes somewhat to mess around with a thread that another mod has made and stickied.

I'm not sure what to do with "The cigar thread" in OI, it's brilliant and informative, and if I remove that thread then the chances are all that sage wisdom will be lost. Also, it was a thread made and stickied by a previous mod of that forum and I feel it would be..rude?.. aggressive..? To remove it.


Could anyone advise me on the correct procedure to get around the problems I've mentioned, please?
And advice?


Any word from Jeff on progress with using Squid to cache stuff at all?

Well I closed one of Sam's stickied threads (What Song Are You Listening To Now..) and he didn't mind, it looks like I'll be having to close one of Goose's threads in the coming weeks as well.

Both know about Jeff's new policy of closing threads after they reach a certain length, I couldn't fathom either one getting upset for following it.

As for users emailing you, just tell them what Jeff told us:

"For now the best thing you can do is to split large threads up into multiple smaller threads (10 pages or fewer). If you see a thread getting large, close it, sticky it, and open a new one (Part 2, or 8 as the case may be)."

and more importantly

"Users don't count" :p

2- Unless something has changed, there's not a method of archiving threads, is there?
This means that when I close the old thread and someone makes an new one, the old one gets bumped down and off the page and eventually dissapears.
This is a terrible thing, as alot of these threads are informative and awesome. It seems bad to obliterate such vital sources of information.

I know the suggestion of sticking the old threads has been made, but really, has anyone seen how many stickies there are in all the forums allready?

I dont feel that cluttering up the first page of a forum with more and more stickies would be good, especially considering how fast some of the big threads grow.

You could always make a single sticky and use that as an 'archive'. Make a single post and close it, and the mods of the forum can just edit in new thread links to add to the archive.

Of course, I don't moderate a forum that could make use of that, so I haven't done it myself. It just seems like the most practical way to do it that I can think of.

You could always make a single sticky and use that as an 'archive'. Make a single post and close it, and the mods of the forum can just edit in new thread links to add to the archive. Yep. Works in BLTC for the most part.

Also, to alleviate some of the "omg! y u close mah thread, cunt?" emails, after closing a giant thread, I'd suggest going ahead and making the new one. Hopefully, they'll see that the new thread is there, and it seems like less of a "Fuck you, you're thread is dead" kind of thing.

And when making the new incarnation, include a link to the previous one, the on you just closed. That way, each new incarnation of a large thread opens as an ever-evolving archive of itself. Again, it might help cut down on the pissy user factor.

We're going to have to handle the free games list soon.

I really don't want to see that take the plunge, it's a good bank of knowledge.

Yep. Works in BLTC for the most part.

Also, to alleviate some of the "omg! y u close mah thread, cunt?" emails, after closing a giant thread, I'd suggest going ahead and making the new one. Hopefully, they'll see that the new thread is there, and it seems like less of a "Fuck you, you're thread is dead" kind of thing.

And when making the new incarnation, include a link to the previous one, the on you just closed. That way, each new incarnation of a large thread opens as an ever-evolving archive of itself. Again, it might help cut down on the pissy user factor.


Well there's no longer any point in me posting since RH said all I was going to say.

*Shakes fist at RH*

How many posts per page do you view? I only ask because I noticed that the painful/embarrassing childhood sexual experiences thread has been closed after only 4 pages, same with the girlfriendless' guys club thread.

I miss the archives. So much easier.

Yeah, many threads are being closed long before they hit ten pages, on my settings anyway. I am seeing threads closed at three and four pages. Seems silly.

I just set mine to 40 post per pay, it makes sure their aren't threads are closed too early.

...it makes sure there threads are closed too early.

I just click randomly, it ensures some posters are banned unfairly.

I'm not touching the dick with wings. That's your job.

From what Jeff said, the problem was how many times these huge threads were being viewed and loaded up. The Green Lantern thread is big, but not many people pay any attention to it. Most of the posts in it are from long ago.

If it becomes a problem I'll deal with it. GL will take it better coming from me.

EDIT: Oh Jesus. I forgot how fucking huge it is! 53 pages. I guess I'll have to retire it soon. Green Lantern may actually cry, though.

From what Jeff said, the problem was how many times these huge threads were being viewed and loaded up. The Green Lantern thread is big, but not many people pay any attention to it. Most of the posts in it are from long ago.

If it becomes a problem I'll deal with it. GL will take it better coming from me.

EDIT: Oh Jesus. I forgot how fucking huge it is! 53 pages. I guess I'll have to retire it soon. Green Lantern may actually cry, though.

That's the reason I haven't done anything to it. Plus the fact that I don't want to make GL cry any more than the thread itself does.

Absoultely not. I've got my settings set to maximum.
Other threads when closed I allways give a reason unless their total junk. But i know that thread was probably closed for a very good reason.

But thankyou all very much for the good helpfull responses. This place is great. It's like totse minus the flaming, usually.

I will go about using some of the suggestions here in the smaller forums I moderate.

GPP...I leave to my fellow mods because you're less likely to fuck up all those huge scary threads of info than I am/do/would.