Hi. Can someone explain why a thread may be closed? Is this part of the rules of the forum? I just observe that many threads that I find interesting are closed, and it seems to be abrupt. Often I see this done by the same moderator… Something like a summary: “Nothing new to add”. If I come to the thread after it’s closed, I cannot participate or ask a question, etc. I guess I just don’t understand why some threads are open for years, and others are closed… again, - seemingly abruptly. Thanks!
I’m not a moderator, but if you have your own question…you can always start another thread with your question.
Threads that are closed by a moderator are closed in order to comply with the rules of the forum, and usually the moderator will state why the thread was closed.
“Nothing new to add” is my own code for invoking the mercy rule. For example, if a user asks “Can I get into Harvard with a 2.6 and 1150?” there is little left to say after the 10th response has said that Harvard is not in the cards and to look for schools that are a better match. If that OP wants help on developing the list, s/he is best served by starting a thread in College Search & Selection.
If you are wondering why a specific thread was closed, you’d probably get a more specific answer by PM’ing the moderator in question.
Additionally, inactive threads are closed systemically, so any thread that has been “open for years” is still open because it’s active and in compliance with forum rules.
I appreciate @skieurope’s mercy rule. It’s a very good one.
Threads are also closed when the OP is no longer active and the question is too specific to be of general use. If a thread devolves into a debate or the OP becomes snarky to contributors it can be closed too.
Indeed. There are many reasons why I/we will close a thread and, again, the mod will usually state the reason. Like I said earlier, if one has a question about a specific thread, contact the moderator. My explanation above was limited to when I write “Nothing more to say.”
One needs to be careful with this. Yes, start your own thread with a specific question that relates to you. e.g. “How do I fill out FAFSA if I can’t find my NCP?” This is always preferable to hijacking a thread, which is not allowed.
However, don’t start a new thread that has been closed for ToS violations. e.g. “The mod closed the thread on the Kavanaugh nomination, but I wanna continue discussing it so I’m just gonna start a new one” will quickly get shut down.
Ok, got it. Thanks!