I believe members should be allowed to delete threads in which they have created. There should be an option when editing one's own Profile to delete threads in their history that they no longer feel are worthy of existing. The deletion will not be immediate. The thread will be tagged, and deletion will occur after X hours have passed.

Allowing members to do this would bring the following benefits:
- The ability to delete past threads that are outdated and unlikely to receive further replies
- The ability to remove threads that were made redundant due to later events
- Freeing up space and putting less strain on the ATS servers

Some possible guidelines and limitations
- Threads with over 200 replies may not be deleted
- Threads that are under 72 hours old may not be marked for deletion
- Threads that have received X number of Flags may not be deleted
- Definitive Warning given before any deletion takes place that it is irreversible and all points/flags gained within the thread will be lost.
- Distinctive Warning given to the author that once the criteria have been met and the deletion approved, it is irreversible. Flags, stars and points attained from the author and those who replied within these threads will NOT be affected.
- Threads will have a "Marked For Deletion By Author" sign on them (only visible when viewing the actual thread) and their deletion can be opposed by other members. If no objections have been made before the duration has passed, the thread will be deleted.

Please keep in mind that this Thread Deletion feature is ONLY for threads in which the author has created. I am suggesting that individual members have the ability to request deletion of their past threads using an automated method that is quick and easy for them and Admins.

Edit: Due to subsequent replies, I have changed some of the information on this opening post. I will leave all the original words but use the strikeout feature to show what I have modified.

[edit on 6/3/2010 by Dark Ghost]

I don't think that any thread becomes obsolete or "outdated" even if it's been here since 2002.

Go through the archives and you will see that some of the best threads are ones which have little replies and flags and just provide good information.

You can always ask for your thread to be "closed" so that nobody can reply to it anymore, but the ammount of coding involved in order to institute this process would be epic.

Especially if you are removing stars and flags from entire threads for EVERY member who posted in the thread.

You have to realize that this would affect EVERY member who posted in the thread you want closed.

Most won't be too happy with loosing stars and flags. Not that ATS is all about that, but I sure do enjoy mine.

~Keeper

Originally posted by tothetenthpower
You can always ask for your thread to be "closed" so that nobody can reply to it anymore, but the ammount of coding involved in order to institute this process would be epic.

Especially if you are removing stars and flags from entire threads for EVERY member who posted in the thread.

You have to realize that this would affect EVERY member who posted in the thread you want closed.

Most won't be too happy with loosing stars and flags. Not that ATS is all about that, but I sure do enjoy mine.

~Keeper

Valid point. I will change the wording of the OP to reflect this suggestion. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

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Originally posted by randyvs
I think this is in the agreement though guy. Once you've made a thread
it is the property of ATS. Therefor further and foremost you need to think
a little longer before you punch n click that send button.

That is true, but I think most members are eager to create their own threads as soon as the opportunity arises. It is after gaining experience as a member that you realise that certain threads were made with an "inexperienced" mindset. I am sure many members have regrets about some of the threads they have made in the past.

[edit on 6/3/2010 by Dark Ghost]

You definitely need to keep all my posts.
When you get near my level you'll need to look back.
Then you'll have an idea where to go forward.

ATS uses the creative commons agreement. Anything you post here you still own and have a right to. Since you posted it here though they have a right to it as well. You own it but they can use it into perpetuity.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and read the common agreement.

NO. You cannot delete a thread. Suppose you post something and I spend an hour on a rebuttal. a brilliant reply to your idiocy. A virtual written masterpiece. You suddenly don't like the thrashing I've given you so you get to destroy my brilliance to hide your stupidity. What fairness is there in that?

If you post it, you should have the guts to weather the storm.

Once it's out there and people have replied, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the board.

Think about that before you post anything.

I disagree. I just dont see how it would be fair to all those members how responded. Their imput is just as valuable as the thread creator. Often times there is MUCH substance given in responses and those members deserve to have their posts remain as is, as long as they are within the T&C

[edit on March 6th 2010 by greeneyedleo]

I agree that we should have a thread deletion option for our own thread as long as no other members have posted on that thread.