OPINIONS WANTED: Should I delete obsolete chat threads?

[_Dr. Shades]

Dear community:

In order to prevent board clutter and avoid inflating our thread count, I would like to delete all the former threads that invite people to chat. Since all of them but the current one (on any given day) are obsolete, they serve no purpose.

The problem is, one of our founding principles is to not delete threads like the MD&D (formerly MA&D, formerly FAIR) moderators routinely do. If I go through with this, would I be accused of being no better than them?

So, I'd like to get y'all's input on the matter. Thanks in advance.

[_Bond James Bond]

I say no, as daily chat threads draw interest to the chat feature of the board. There has been more people in there of late, myself among them. Also the point about deleting threads as possible censorship is well made in the OP.

[_TrashcanMan79]

Delete em.

[_Dr. Shades]

I say no, as daily chat threads draw interest to the chat feature of the board.

Just so we're clear, I'm talking about deleting OLD chat invitation threads, not NEW ones. In other words, only one chat invitation thread will exist at a time (since the old ones refer to times that are in the past).

You may change your vote if you wish.

[_asbestosman]

Could we consolidate old chat threads? Some of the pics are humorous and we may not want to lose them.

[_Bond James Bond]

I say no, as daily chat threads draw interest to the chat feature of the board.

Just so we're clear, I'm talking about deleting OLD chat invitation threads, not NEW ones. In other words, only one chat invitation thread will exist at a time (since the old ones refer to times that are in the past).

You may change your vote if you wish.

I stand by my vote since some of those threads have other thoughts or discussion beyond informing about chat.

[_moksha]

Removing time limited invitations would be more akin to dusting the computer, monitor and desk than it would be to overt censorship. When MAD deletes and closes threads it is for the explicit purpose of censorship. The difference is obvious.

[_ludwigm]

Unfortunately, I am sleeping while You are chatting.

.

That stupid non-flat-earth and time zones...

Deleting? You have a free hand.

[_Bond James Bond]

Removing time limited invitations would be more akin to dusting the computer, monitor and desk than it would be to overt censorship. When MAD deletes and closes threads it is for the explicit purpose of censorship. The difference is obvious.

Since some of those threads have discussion or original thoughts by people it seems they have some, however minute, amount of merit and should be maintained. If some posts should be maintained, then they should all be maintained out of principle.

Rule 1. Everyone is welcome. Every opinion is welcome. Therefore, do not "de-invite" anyone or suggest that they go elsewhere.

As to time limited invitations, I think people have the good sense to click on the Chat button, and if there is no one there, no harm no foul, go about something else. Also I have faith that people can read "Monday 2/3/09 at 10 pm Eastern chat" or whatever and know if that time has passed or they can join the chat room and check for current activity as described above.

[_Morley]

The danger of deleting old threads has everything to do with perceptions of censorship. I don't see that trashing old chat invitations could be honestly read as censorship. I think that you should embrace your inner house cleaner.

Edited to reflect that I grew an additional brain cell since I wrote this and had to demonstrate that by somewhat polishing my sentence structure.