Can old threads have a different colour?

[RuinedSleep]

It's probably been suggested before, but here it is anyway for the suggestion box:

I think 'similar threads' are causing people to revive old threads as it's easy not to notice date of last op update, or first op even.

Maybe if a heads up message at top of op like the one we get saying MN has commented that it's a 1 month or 3+ months old thread. Maybe have a different colour for old ops than green. I know post colours can be edited but those who know how to change the settings probably less likely to click on similar threads and not check the date...

Or do what most forums do - close threads to new updates X months after the last update.

That wouldn't preclude an OP requesting HQ reopening to provide an update to the thread in later months or years.

We've been asking MNHQ to do something about zombie threads for years now - literally - and nothing ever happens. It's really frustrating!

Hi there @RuinedSleep. Thanks for getting in touch. We'll pass on your feedback and make a note of what others think too so do share your thoughts here and we'll keep reading.

This. And then they pop on the thread like they have on this one saying they will listen to the feedback and discuss and nothing ever happens.

Ha! Point proven @MagentaRocks

@HebeMumsnet this must have been discussed at MNHQ a million times, according to what we keep being told. Perhaps it hasn't. Perhaps it's just being ignored?

It would be helpful, perhaps, if someone could explain exactly why nothing has changed?! If there's a specific technical reason, then tell us what that is.

Don't they say this is a zombie thread at the end though?

Well, yes. Nothing is ever done for some weird reason.

Yes. But so many posters don't seem to see that, which is why we're suggesting something more visual, like a different colour.

I wonder if it's different on the app from the desktop site?

This has been going round and round for years. The only change MN ever makes is if they can make some coin from it.

I don't think it would help because it is almost always new users who don't know how Mumsnet works that revive zombie threads and they wouldn't recognise the difference. Closing a post for new replies after a year is a good idea though. I have had people message me about old posts so that is still an option if somebody wanted an update.

It can't be beyond the wit of the technical folk, though, to come up with a better solution that we have currently?

Yes, zombie threads are incredibly annoying.

The absolutely pointless 'Threads like this' feature has contributed to the problem.