“Zombie” ie old threads

Sometimes the Search function does work so someone may find an old thread that way while searching for a particular subject. Very often though, old threads seem to be resurrected by a spammer and then taken up by someone who doesn't realise how old it is.

I sometimes don’t notice the date until I notice a poster’s name from the past.

There are probably many more people reading past posts and threads than we realise.

On most sites apparently, for every one person that posts, there are nine people who read.

Is there a rule about resurrecting old threads? Are you supposed to start a new one?

Recently, I found a very old thread that interested me and I wrote on it. Was this wrong?

I am relatively new to GN and I probably am not aware of all
the rules whether written or unwritten. I am not a spammer.

No it’s not wrong , but maybe say it’s an old thread but you find it interesting

Or start a new thread , might get more answers ?

Personally, I think on maybe an old health thread, it may be useful to add things.

But sometimes, on say a relationship thread, it maybe more helpful to start a new one.

Just my opinion.

You get better answers if you create a new thread as many people just react to the original post and don't see that a new person is seeking advice.

If you offer advice you need to consider whether it is still relevant months or years after the event.

If you look at threads by going into "forums" and choosing a topic that is of interest to you the ones that are in the list are often old.

I think it just depends how you use the website.

Some old threads are still interesting/useful.

I don’t think it’s wrong to post on an old thread as long as it’s relevant. Probably better than starting a new one if it’s something like commenting on a tv series that’s returned after a year or so, i.e. Sherwood or similar.

I do wish people would read more of any thread instead of just jumping in and commenting at the end, it being very obvious that they just haven’t bothered to read anything that others have posted.

Sometimes, a thread may be about a teenage grandchild.
When it is resurrected, the child has now become an adult. It makes me smile, when the thread is resurrected, the child has become an adult and the situation is resolved. However someone posts advice, which is totally irrelevant.

People are still giving Piperly advice on the “elderly MIL”thread.
Does nobody read the posts especially the recent ones?

Calendargirl

I don’t think it’s wrong to post on an old thread as long as it’s relevant. Probably better than starting a new one if it’s something like commenting on a tv series that’s returned after a year or so, i.e. Sherwood or similar.

I do wish people would read more of any thread instead of just jumping in and commenting at the end, it being very obvious that they just haven’t bothered to read anything that others have posted.

How true.
There was one a few days ago where a poster had replied with something like ^ have a good time with your husband^
The OP had written that her husband was dead.