Why are some threads locked and others are not?

[yennyfire]

How come some SMTR Helpful threads archive topics are locked and can't be replied to, like the Tacori thread and the "Show Me Your 3ct+", while others, like the "Show Me Your Under 1 ct." thread can be replied to? I know that there have been many rings added since these threads were locked more than 3 years ago...can they be unlocked or can we start a new "Show Me Your...." within the Helpful threads archive? I love looking through these threads to get ideas and to just drool over gorgeous pieces of jewelry. I know that there are many I miss because I didn't see the thread that "introduced" the piece in SMTB....

Thoughts or suggestions?

 

[athenaworth]

I was wondering the same thing. I wanted to bump the 3+ carat thread last night. Hmm.

 

[kenny]

Yeah, I noticed an old thread I wanted to reply to, but couldn't.

I asked admin to kindly respond.

 

[Ella]

Normally if threads are not bumped within three months (I believe) they are automatically locked. I am happy to unlock almost any thread, please just use the report concern button on that thread and ask for it to be unlocked.

We do this because otherwise very old threads are bumped and it confuses members into thinking they are new threads.

 

[kenny]

Thanks Ella, but if someone has added new input it kind of is new.

I'm still not understanding the reasoning.
Did old threads used to remain unlocked then people complained when one was reawakened by a new post?

Here we have people who seem to want the policy switched.
Can that be considered?

 

[Ella]

As I said we are happy to open threads upon request but at this point we are not considering changing the policy.

The problem largely comes with new members who bump very old threads expecting responses from the OP, resurrecting old arguments, giving input on stones that were purchased years ago, wondering why links to stones are not working, etc. People get riled up again until someone points out that the thread is years old. It is much more confusing than helpful.

I hope we will have a solution for reference threads so that they can continue to be added to over time without us needing to open them. But that is not yet within our ability.

For now, just use the report concern button asking for it to be opened and we will open it.

 

[kenny]

Okay, thanks Ella.

 

[that_someone_special]

I like that they are locked. I'm tired of threads being bumped with any of the following:

"wow"
"neat"
"beautiful"
"where did you get that?" (and the original poster hasn't been back for months)

At the same time, current threads are being ignored. SMTB used to be busy... 3, 5, 7 + pages for ONE ring. Now a thread will get many views but only 18 responses.

I know it doesn't really matter, but I'm guessing it bothers more than just me..

 

[yennyfire]

Thanks for the explanation Ella.