Don't delete old simple questions threads so quickly

Res Ipsa Loquitur · Nov 3rd, 2009, 12:21:39 PM

I would like to see the old "Ask a Simple Question, Get a Simple Answer" threads archived, rather than deleted completely. I think that this would be a positive change for two reasons.

First, having access to these old threads would minimize the number of needless repeat questions in the current one. Doing a simple site search (or Google search with "site:smogon.com" operator) would make it easy to find the answers to old questions. Certainly, the answers may sometimes change, but it would still be a useful resource as a kind of super-FAQ, even if threads would need more scrutiny from the reader as they got older.

Second, providing answers in these threads is a really valuable way to contribute to Smogon. Helping newer or less experienced players get past the rather steep introductory learning curve is one of the best resources our community can provide. We should be encouraging serious users to participate actively in these threads. The knowledge that, no matter how impressive or meticulously researched my answer is, it will be gone in a month (and deleted from my post count!) actually discourages me from assisting with the more difficult "simple questions."

cantab · Nov 9th, 2009, 5:25:58 PM

Have the staff though about not deleting old simple questions type threads so quickly? Suppose a question's been answered, but the questioner hasn't returned before it's deleted. I can't see why there's any need to delete them, shouldn't locking suffice?

Eye · Nov 9th, 2009, 5:36:27 PM

I agree with this, though I don't think they should be kept forever, maybe just locked for a day or two then deleted.

cantab · Nov 9th, 2009, 5:39:38 PM

And, I see this was suggested six days ago, http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63225
Looks like I need to pay more attention before posting :-(

Res Ipsa Loquitur · Nov 9th, 2009, 8:56:48 PM

Hey, my first thread was apparently overlooked, so I'm glad that the matter is getting some attention. If a mod would merge my old thread onto this one, it might help.

mingot* · Nov 9th, 2009, 9:03:53 PM

We are going to go ahead and do this.

Thank you for the suggestion.

*Tangerine+* · Nov 9th, 2009, 9:11:52 PM

http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63177

I just went and undeleted all of the Simple Questions, Simple Answers, and linked to all of them in the OP of the latest version.

Enjoy.

Nov 3rd, 2009, 12:21:39 PM	#1
Res Ipsa Loquitur Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 92	Don't delete old simple questions threads so quickly I would like to see the old "Ask a Simple Question, Get a Simple Answer" threads archived, rather than deleted completely. I think that this would be a positive change for two reasons. First, having access to these old threads would minimize the number of needless repeat questions in the current one. Doing a simple site search (or Google search with "site:smogon.com" operator) would make it easy to find the answers to old questions. Certainly, the answers may sometimes change, but it would still be a useful resource as a kind of super-FAQ, even if threads would need more scrutiny from the reader as they got older. Second, providing answers in these threads is a really valuable way to contribute to Smogon. Helping newer or less experienced players get past the rather steep introductory learning curve is one of the best resources our community can provide. We should be encouraging serious users to participate actively in these threads. The knowledge that, no matter how impressive or meticulously researched my answer is, it will be gone in a month (and deleted from my post count!) actually discourages me from assisting with the more difficult "simple questions." __________________ Diamond FC: 1505 4243 2479

Nov 9th, 2009, 8:56:48 PM	#5
Res Ipsa Loquitur Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 92	Hey, my first thread was apparently overlooked, so I'm glad that the matter is getting some attention. If a mod would merge my old thread onto this one, it might help. __________________ Diamond FC: 1505 4243 2479

Nov 9th, 2009, 9:03:53 PM	#6
mingot* ʇobuıɯ Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,914	We are going to go ahead and do this. Thank you for the suggestion. __________________ Check out the new In-Game section! RNG Reporter 7.10 (Download) RNG Reporter/RNG Help Thread (Discuss) RNG Research Thread

Nov 9th, 2009, 9:11:52 PM	#7
Tangerine+ noblesse oblige Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2,963	http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63177 I just went and undeleted all of the Simple Questions, Simple Answers, and linked to all of them in the OP of the latest version. Enjoy. __________________ How to better participate in discussions Quick and Easy Damage Calculator (by AMF) The 4th Uber Characteristic (Theorymon Clause) If user Theorymon would play OU to use a specific Pokemon, then the Pokemon is uber.

Nov 9th, 2009, 5:36:27 PM	#3
Eye Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: iceland Posts: 403	I agree with this, though I don't think they should be kept forever, maybe just locked for a day or two then deleted.