Complete threads removed because?

[Danny]

Which threads, and how many besides the recent one "Period Eyeglasses" have been moved from general view and member access, and why? In that one case at least there was significant discussion and information beyond what a few prior threads on that subject had covered.

I would hope that removal of a thread is based on complaints. If not, what else? I'd hate to think that it's repetition and redundancy that gets a thread removed, because that would mean there's been a selective judgement that earlier threads are somehow of more value than later threads.

To save misunderstanding and time, perhaps a little "last word" icon should be posted on those topics for which no further posting will be allowed.

- Dan Wykes

[paulcalloway]

I think once people started recommending Pearl Vision and Lenscrafters it was widely considered that the thread had gone askew.

Yes we had reports/complaints about that thread. I didn't move it myself but I can see why it was.

[Danny]

I understand. It's unfortunate the entire thread has to go out.

Dan Wykes

[Charles Heath]

Which threads, and how many besides the recent one "Period Eyeglasses" have been moved from general view and member access, and why?

Danny,

Maybe once a quarter a lengthy thread gets pulled into the Mod Squad Maintenance Shed for a little topiary work, and a light foliar feeding. Why does this happen? Well, in some cases, folks who haven't been on this forum very long tend to forget where they are, and might not even have a clue as to where they are (I'm talking solar systems here), and add in what they believe are helpful comments relating to double wrapping fish filets with aluminum foil before slapping 'em on the ol' fire grate; the most efficient way to get the best reception on the portable TV satellite dish at events; whether a sunforger or regular canvas tent works well for disguising the mini-van parked on officer's row; the debate as to whether or not Wal-Mart or K-Mart red suspenders are best for an artillery impression, and whether or not a certain sasparilla vendor is going to be at PDQ or XYZ Battle of Something Local, so one can bring the correctly labeled swing top bottle for free refills. The thread to end all threads for 2007 has to be the one where a trans-gender (okay 3/4 of the way there) feller(?) wants to know which tartan is the best for his CW highlander impression after he gets the final cut, and becomes a former male but future galtroop in the ranks...words fail me.

This probably needs a sharper segue, but sometimes the thread pruning has to get beyond the loppers and pole saw, and requires power tools. Once in a while, we have to break out the chainsaw and run down the road to rent a stump grinder, too. Sometimes you just can't twist out that stump with a pair of oxen.

In that one case at least there was significant discussion and information beyond what a few prior threads on that subject had covered.

In that specific thread, at that specific moment, it appeared to be headed directly towards recommending either the red or white Elton John size glasses, so some brakes were applied before the newly arrived folks got the impression welding helmets were fine and dandy for mid-19th century eyewear. While that thread wasn't the most extreme case in recent years, it sure was trading paint mighty hard with the "no farbism" rule.

If not, what else? I'd hate to think that it's repetition and redundancy that gets a thread removed, because that would mean there's been a selective judgement that earlier threads are somehow of more value than later threads.

Older threads tend to get merged with newer threads on the same subject to better assist the membership's use of the Mighty AC Forum Search Engine. Although extremely powerful, this search engine is approved by the late Mr. Wizard for use at home. The thread in question shall return, but it may be a few days as some folks in the background are heading to events.

I hope this helps.

[Danny]

Danny,

Maybe once a quarter a lengthy thread gets pulled into the Mod Squad Maintenance Shed for a little topiary work, and a light foliar feeding. Why does this happen? Well, in some cases, folks who haven't been on this forum very long tend to forget where they are... what they believe are helpful comments relating to double wrapping fish filets with aluminum foil...the most efficient way to get the best reception on the portable TV satellite dish at events...whether a sunforger or regular canvas tent ...whether or not Wal-Mart or K-Mart red suspenders are best for an artillery impression...

...sometimes the thread pruning has to get beyond the loppers and pole saw ...you just can't twist out that stump with a pair of oxen...

... so some brakes were applied before the newly arrived folks got the impression welding helmets were fine and dandy for mid-19th century eyewear. While that thread wasn't the most extreme case in recent years, it sure was trading paint mighty hard with the "no farbism" rule... I hope this helps.

Charles -

Thanks, that does help. What doesn't help so much is the use of extreme examples to justify the removal of the thread. No one on the period glasses thread was making anywhere near the case for "TVs" or "welding helmets" or "Elton John" but only, and quite reasonably, for alternatives in period-appearing eyewear. Were not the legitimate complaints, if indeed there were some, sufficient to make the case for removal?

I will also point out there are posts about, say, steel liners for reproduction cannon, and yet they are allowed. That is an absolute equivelent to the period glasses posts.

I do appreciate that someone has to make the call though and I'm not sure I could do any better, though I might avoid using the modern word "farbism."

Dan Wykes

[Charles Heath]

Dan, I remember when our original Lorton 6-lb piece had to get a steel liner to meet modern safety requirements. The artillerists on the forum probably get this joke.

Unfortunately, the posts on the eyewear thread that received the most complaints were yours. Sometime next week, once I get back home, get the tanks cleaned out, and put away, I'll look for a handful of spectactles articles that may or may not still be online, and add them to the thread after it gets the pruning it so dearly needs.