I can understand why dozens of people would make duplicate threads. Either they didn't read Help Tools, or because they don't use the Search function prior to posting, or don't use the proper Search Criteria prior to posting, or are more concerned with getting Flags & Stars to care (they see a thread get 300 Flags, so they create a duplicate thread in hopes of getting 300 more Flags, very original).

What I don't understand is why ATS Moderators allow a dozen duplicate threads to exist without closing them.

I've had threads closed within 30 seconds of posting because someone beat me to the punch on posting the same Topic just a few seconds before I did.

Yet other multiple threads go on for weeks upon weeks and are never closed.

Why the disparity?

Is there a tool that we can use to alert Moderators of duplicate threads? I hesitate to use the ALERT function for something as minor as a duplicate thread.

Arent there other threads out there about this same subject?

Is this a duplicate thread?

Oh, the irony.

Originally posted by badgerprints
Arent there other threads out there about this same subject?

Is this a duplicate thread?

Oh, the irony.

You beat me to it. LOL

Just my 2-cents

Originally posted by jkrog08
What are some of the duplicate threads you are talking about?

LRO (Lunar Recon Orbiter) There are at least 10 on that spacecraft, and several more on bombing the moon related to it

Just an example I even tried keeping up with all of them... not possible

Keep in mind that we often allow threads in the "Breaking" forums to coexist with threads in non-breaking forums. I.e. one thread in Breaking General News might be allowed to coexist with a thread in Global News Discussion.

Popular threads on the same topic are good for business

Originally posted by badgerprints
Arent there other threads out there about this same subject?

Is this a duplicate thread?

Oh, the irony.

_________________________________________

To the OP: If you see duplicate threads that were made within a few days of each other, please alert them

I personally have given up on this!! I had a thread moved to BTS and yet two other people AFTER me did a thread on the same story and their threads stayed on the ATS side and mine got lost in BTS. I was really annoyed and kind of pissed. I have a thread about the search engine being your best friend because it saves the poster time and the moderators time. I always use the search function before I post any new thread. I do know that there are allowed to be more than one thread of a certain type but I am not sure on the detail. I also know that doubles are allowed after a certain amount of time but the ones lately that have been popping up and they are reposts from the same day or the day before are getting a little annoying.

If I may, it's easy to find yourself reading something on the web that just seems like the perfect topic for ATS. However, since life doesn't always allow us enough time to do the in-depth searches to look for previous threads, it is sometimes just easier to 'hope' that once you make your post about that subject that really excited the hell out of you, you won't return later to find that it was snuffed out.

This is not to dis the official policy to keep these multiple threads to a minimum. It's just my ever-so humble opinion that, like in so many things, it is often good to apply the spirit of a rule or law... and not just the rigid letter of it.

Cheers

...

[edit on 11-8-2009 by redoubt]

Who cares? For a site that thrives on challenging convention and status quo, there's a remarkable few members that love convention. Alert buttons at the ready and a well-timed post to inform the OP that there's another thread somewhere. "Miss, Miss! Bobby's chewing gum in class again."

Often two or three popular threads on the same subject have a different focus and different members posting. It's all good. The ones that are failed 'flag-magnets' get closed.

I'm gonna write one called, "Moon bases on Mars!!Proof!!" Now that's a winner

Originally posted by Kandinsky Alert buttons at the ready and a well-timed post to inform the OP that there's another thread somewhere. "Miss, Miss! Bobby's chewing gum in class again."

Now ya did it... I have to clean that coffee off my screen

Often two or three popular threads on the same subject have a different focus and different members posting. It's all good. The ones that are failed 'flag-magnets' get closed.

Like I said popular threads are 'good for business'

I'm gonna write one called, "Moon bases on Mars!!Proof!!" Now that's a winner

Oh yes do And I will supply the supporting evidence Now go on do it and prove your point but at least put a ?? instead of !! at the end... it gives you a disclaimer