Is it just me, my computer or my settings here on TB? It appears the edit feature isn't available or has dropped off. Wondering if this is happening to everyone? Every now and then I will need to go back and correct an oop's and or share additional information. So...What's Happening?
It is a recent decision (today). Editing is limited to 60 minutes after posting now. There have been past instances of some threads being unreadable because so many posts had been effectively "deleted."
So, I don't know that I've seen it here, but I know sometimes people use the first post in a thread as an announcement for the topic. This is used all over the vBulletin forums themselves. I'm not saying that to suggest it's a bad idea to limit. I'm of the opinion that if you have something to add, it's better to make a new post, because if I've already read your old post, I won't ever reread it. So you won't get read. And if you haven't fixed the typos in 60 minutes...
You've listed the two main points that drove this change; Most people participating in a thread are only going to read new posts to the thread since their last visit. So, editing older posts to update and add information is usually pointless. Most people will edit and fix typographical errors within one hour. And... We've had several people get angry and create chaos by editing their old posts to either delete them or post gibberish. Charlie
I can appreciate the fact that we are trying to improve things. My hat is off to the Administrative staff for all the positive changes. On the flip side, I would appreciate an hour or two longer to edit a post, as I may be distracted by a neighbor and need to run off to help them before I can edit or correct my post. Still I do support limiting the edit's I think that is a positive move in the right direction.
I agree with a limit on editing a post. But I also think it would be (for reasons above) prefable to have say 120 minutes to fix any errors in the post such as spelling or grammer. Also, just wondering what if I'm editing a post within what ever time frame is set up and the time expires before I press submitt?
If for some reason you miss the deadline and there is a valid reason, just report the post using the little triangle button with a "!" in it at the bottom of the post and request what you want. Then the staff can edit it for you if it is a valid reason.
If it's a grammar error, I wouldn't worry about it. This is the internet, if you're using proper grammar and spelling, people think you're a NARC. If it's a content error, just post a reply. The correct information is still there then. Sure, you'll get the occasional person that will correct you before reading the rest of the thread, but those people can then feel sheepish when they do read the rest of the thread and so are properly chastised.
Oh, no! I've been discovered! Usually, if I am going to make a hugely embarrassing typographical error I do it in the post title, one of the only things that can't be changed except by a moderator or administrator. I like this change, actually, because we've had some problems with people coming back and editing posts days, weeks, or even months later, screwing up the flow and sometimes damaging threads by deleting important content. An hour sounds good. Adam
There should be a way to make the thread title editable by users for a time limited period as well. And it's editable from the forum screen, though I find it a little irritating. Double click on the whitespace between title and date/posts info. Not that we want to allow that. I'm just saying that it's possible to be that granular.
It might be an error in content, style, spelling, or grammer. Would these be a valid reason? See ya Ron
If there is something that truly needs edited, please feel free to press the "!" icon at the bottom of the posting and ask for assistance. These "Alerts" go out to the TB Staff and we can make those needed adjusts even years later...
My only concern is it reminds me of Highschool when the principal punished the student body instead of the rotten apples that erred. Juevenile to say the least. I've posted or documented, for example my experience with regard to DCC and at one point I needed to go back and add a disclaimer. I would prefer to do this myself retaining some control over what I write. Loosing that control bothers me as it appears to me that website owners in general are moving in a direction where they want to exercise more and more control over what is said, written and presented in these forums. You have no argument with me when it comes to keeping off the board issues such as abusive language, slanderour remarks or character assassination. Not a problem. Just suggesting there may be a better policy then the one implimented.
It does no good to close the barn door, after all are outside. This comes about, as already explained, due to people who abusively delete so as to deliberately damage or ruin topics which they have participated or created. At this point, over 23K members are potentially negatively impacted by such a selfish action. One just this past weekend. Thereafter we must often spend our time repairing and editing the ruins. There is never a way to anticipate such situations. What is that "better policy" which has been hinted? Boxcab E50
Again, the assumption is that nobody will read the post so far after it was written and those that do will read the whole thread.
Rick, I totally hear what you are saying, but like someone pointed out above if you need to edit something later there is a way to do it. Just get a moderator to do it for you. I have found several of them to be very responsive when I need help. The damage that can be done to one or more threads by someone who has not yet grown up is huge. This is not meant to be punishment but prevention. Adam