AIBU to suggest Mumsnet delete threads if the OP doesn't return within a number of replies?

[SecondUsername4me]

There are many a thread running where the OP comes on, asks for advice and opinion and for 2 weeks the thread is buzzing with responses yet the OP never once returns. Not to add clarity, not to say thanks, etc.

Surely MN could have a way to pull up all thread where the OP hasn't returned in (say) 2 weeks/50 replies and auto delete them? Even if just for the main AIBU/Relationship/Parenting ones?

The issue is, people are too invested in an anonymous forum and feel entitled to responses. They really believe that they’re performing some sort of important public duty by giving advice. 😬

Treat the drama type threads on mumsnet as a form of entertainment, like watching Netflix, and you won’t be so bothered.

I think leave them up - the No OP banner is a good idea, though.

You can have a good chat going without the OP if the original post has set up an interesting question and other people who have a similar situation may find it useful even if the creator has gone to ground!

There's some real thugs around at the moment so you can see why an OP might want to ditch a thread if it goes south.

Why don't you just click on "see all" for the OP's posts? Then you can see whether or not they've returned.

YABU. Just because the OP hasn't posted anything else doesn't mean they aren't reading the replies.

I don't think threads are just for the benefit of the OP.

A lot of people might read them for entertainment, advice, etc. Why deprive everybody of that just because an OP doesn't reply?

I don't agree. But even if I agreed with the premise, 50 replies is nothing on a thread that causes strong opinions! Someone could get that many responses in an hour and have no idea.

I wouldn't want that. No offence to OPs, they are obviously vital in getting things going, but for me the real interest lies in the responses and debate from other posters. As long as the subsequent contributions are engaging, it doesn't matter to me if the OP is amongst them. Perhaps specific advice posts are a bit different, but as no problem is unique, no doubt the input will be useful to someone.

In particular on some relationships threads a woman might post but then be unable to respond for a considerable time.

I once started a thread where my question was answered fairly early and I was grateful. But others made a 'rabbit hole' out of it and went totally off track. I asked for it to be closed to new posts but to remain.