Old Forum Posts

Is it okay to reply to old forum posts if they are open and replying will add value or we just need to ignore them and focus on new posts only? I think any advice will be helpful for new bees and save us from
embarrassment.

If the reply adds useful new information, in my opinion it’s perfectly fine. After all, if you found the thread, chances are good somebody else will stumble upon it later on.

When it doesn’t make much sense is dragging up a five year old post to say “me too” or to ask somebody who hasn’t been active in years if they ever got an answer, etc.

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Depends. If a thread is the first result on google, update it by linking to correct information.

Otherwise let it die.

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I have learnt not bug old forums, get a new topic instead and people will see.

To me it’s not about if the new post is good for the old thread, it’s about if the old thread is good for the new post.

Basically, you’re starting a new discussion. Will having an old one tacked onto it at the start add value for people participating now? If yes, go for it. If no, or if you’re not sure, then make a new thread.

If you do post in an old thread, though, make sure you clarify that when you do it. Most people don’t read the date fields, and long gaps of time can be confusing if there’s nothing to mark them in the conversation.

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People don’t look at posting dates, so replying to old threads usually results in people trying to argue with posts from 7 years ago. Or something like that.

So, I think that thread older than 6 or 12 months shouldn’t be resurrected. Exceptions apply, occasionally, but in general old stuff should remain buried deep in the forum history.

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I’m going to bookmark this, then jump your case in 2020. :smile:

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If it is regarding Unity 4x I’d let it die, or pre-mecanim, or pre2D tools.
But if it is relevant to the current engine cycle, and can add value to the thread - or provides a definitive answer to an unanswered question - I don’t see issue with it.