Editing procedures

[glnc222]

I'd prefer any off-topic posts deleted as soon as possible by editors rather than become a topic in themselves as to being irrelevant etc. wasting space. Consider a special thread into which posts moved pending repost in a new or other topic or just automatic returns to sender requesting alternate treatments.
Some threads grow into combinations of several related subjects which might be split up; topic creep to borrow a phrase. There's an attraction to expanding an existing topic instead of creating a new heading for something related -- new topics with little content seem to be pointless, attracting writers to existing threads.

I have no objections to any posts I've made being deleted. Mostly uninteresting minutia or sidetracks, throw 'em out.
Would myself if available. Any organization is better than no organization, to borrow a phrase. No one to do it but the editors.

[Fraggboy]

We allow some posts to stray off-topic a little bit, and generally it will get right back on track. That doesn't happen in all cases. That's why you will see some posts with no off-topic replies, and other threads that might have a few.

But, when one of us does bring it up to persuade the member to get back on the topic, we generally leave it alone and not delete it. Some other member(s) might benefit from that reply, even tho it wasn't pertinent in that thread.

If it turns into bickering back and forth, then I personally create a reply stating that the irrelevant post(s) will be deleted in a while. That way, the members reading the thread, and the contributors will know why some posts have been removed.

I know which thread/post you are referring to.. If you would like, please PM me, or Mike and one of us will remove the posts in that thread that has no bearing.

Us Moderator's aren't paid in any way, shape, or form. We volunteer our time keeping the boards free of spam, and make sure the rules are followed. We enjoy assisting in the forums in whatever way we can. Do we make mistakes? Sure! After all, we are all human. Most of the time, we are assisting others, removing spam messages, merging/changing subjects/etc to assist the members here. And, in some rare instances we have to get 'nasty' and put out flame wars, etc.

[glnc222]

Fine grasp of subtleties. Just tossing suggestions, don't go to any trouble.

[Gordon]

I'd prefer any off-topic posts deleted as soon as possible by ...
I have no objections to any posts I've made being deleted. ..., throw 'em out.
Would myself if available. ... No one to do it but the editors.

Actually you may delete your own material. If no one has posted following one of yours that you deem unworthy it is possible to entirely expunge the message, leaving no tracks. Try clicking the upper-right black-X box.

OTOH, once another message is posted I think your previous one is locked in place, however, you may still edit that post, which means all its content may be set to null; or you could leave an explanatory line of information in place of the original stuff. Your by-line remains at left.

Was this helpful? Or should I delete it?

[glnc222]

Great info, I'll handle it. Should just see this feature is in the FAQ; maybe I didn't read it close enough.

Obviously once someone adds another reply, only AI could tell whether it refers to one above, and it does not serve the second poster to remove what they referred to. It doesn't serve readers either, if what they read changes oddly afterwards. On review sites with poster editing a moderator reviews all edits before publishing, and some even allow only additions, clearly showing what's additional. The latter allows automation and less moderating, certainly easier to moderate. This allows some second thoughts to be more compactly presented with original posts, later experience to be added together with original, instead of dispersed extra posts scattered about. Especially useful in product reviews, first impressions and longer term experience etc.
We might want to delete things which did not serve the reader's interest, was just confusing etc.