Do you let threads be deleted, or do you archive them?

[Arariel]

The most common way of dealing with threads that aren't needed is to delete them. Another common way that is arguably not used as much is to create a 'trash'/'archive' section only visible to staff and throw the topics there.

Does your forum delete threads, or do you save all of the unneeded ones?

I keep all of them on my forum, and do as I mentioned, making a trash can for them. Even old staff topics. It's just nice to still have those threads there in the rare event something comes up.

 

[Cam]

I usually archive them in a trash board like you, unless they are bot posts or duplicate posts. I don't see the purpose in keeping those posts.

As you said, it can be useful to keep old topics in case they are needed for something in the future. Plus, I enjoy going back and looking at old topics. There's nothing like taking a trip down memory lane.

 

[Belthazar]

I use a trash board. Even for spam. Someday, I might want something from that topic or post to use in a form of moderation decision.

 

[David17k7]

I always archive, just in case something is brought up because of that post, it's good to have a visual "proof"

 

[reddyash]

Deleting or archiving for me it totally depends on the thread it self. If I feel it is important then I will archive it if not just delete it.

 

[Shock]

Archiving is definitely the way to go. Sometimes it's good to have a public archive/trash forum too.

 

[JennyorAlice]

I throw all mine in a "trash bin" only visible to staff rather than deleting them. Like David 17k7, I like having them in a place visible to just the staff members so that they can be used for staff decisions at some point in the future. For example, if a person gets a warning for posting spam on the forum and wants to argue their point, then the posts that are archived in the "trash bin" can sometimes come in handy for just such occasions. It would be harder for staff to argue their point if the spam was just automatically deleted.

 

[Dancing Mongoose]

Generally I would archive threads that need deleting instead of deleting them. Mainly because when you delete a thread the stats go down and that might not be the best of ideas. Another reason is so if my team feels it doesn't need to be archived, they can debate and we can decide as a team whether it should stay or not.

 

[Jake1]

I usually trash them into a separate board for only staff members could see. I don't let users delete their own posts and/or threads. They usually report the thread or post to be deleted. If they do, I don't delete it. I put it in a board for later on. If the post or thread is violating forum rules, I'll trash it and label it a specific label to notify all staff members to not unarchieve it. Same thing goes for spammers.

 

[ddoesmc]

I will archive them into a hidden forum only staff members can see.