ZOMBIE threads

[ReinettePompadour]

MNHQ can we perhaps change the background colour of threads more than 12 months old with no activity so that it is immediately obvious that a thread is an old zombie thread?

I've found myself poised to post a response then spotted the date was 2007. I know 2007 wasn't that long ago and really only feels like last year but there really are a lot of zombie threads appearing in the 'active threads' and a different colour would be the easiest way to spot them. Pretty please ?

Hey ReinettePompadour,

Thanks so much for the suggestion. We'll certainly pass this on!

Please do report any zombies that are trending. We can take them out of active!

We have been asking for this for ages. MNHQ keep saying it is on their list of things to consider but nothing changes. Surely it is easier to have something in place than have to take them out of active all the time.

I suggested a traffic light system so if a 6 months old the background in green, 6 to 12 months amber and over 12 months red or something similar.

I'm not holding my breath for it to happen though.

I liked the little zombie cartoon. There really does need to be something though, they're getting ridiculous

I'd love something to be done about them. I find them so annoying, most just aren't relevant any more. Colouring is a great idea.

I've said it a few times, but I think whatever 'warning', it should to be at the top of the thread I've fallen into the trap of forgetting to look at the date (my bad, I know but it's so easy to do!), then invested time reading through comments, only to find Little Nipper as-was must now be doing A Levels it's so long ago!

I like the idea of a different background colour. But I wonder if that's difficult to implement with such variability of browser types, device types etc. Would the colours always render as intended?...

How about having a strapline across the OP saying "Archive thread > 1 year old" if HQ want it to be less negative to new posters.

Although not a troll-y thing to do, Zombie threads are often resurrected intentional either by spammers, or by someone who wants to cause trouble....

Why does it matter?

Yes - I don't quite get the venom directed against zombie threads.

I even quite like some of them - well, the one about the soiled university assignment

(I also liked the one about carpet fitting - a zombie thread resurrected three times!)

alittle you're absolutely right, In the grand scheme of life, it isn't important.at all, but then none of the stuff on here is "important"

Its just annoying to those of us who invest time and effort to RTFT including the OP, because it's top of the list making it look like it's just been written, only to find its years old and you've wasted time. The whole point of a forum is contribution, but if it's wasted on a 10 year old thread, then it's pointless.

Sooo... if you're that bothered about "investing" time into an internet forum then invest another second and check the date.

If its an interesting thread then it's interesting whether its 5 minutes old or 5 years old.