Editable lead post in a thread

[WaltP]

I've thought for a long time that it would be helpful to leave the first post in a thread editable for the thread host. I think that would be very helpful for rally threads especially, to have a single post where all updated information could be posted and easy to find.
I do realize that may not be within the control of the monitors of this specific forum, but I thought it worth throwing out here in case something could be done.

Walt

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by WaltP

I've thought for a long time that it would be helpful to leave the first post in a thread editable for the thread host. I think that would be very helpful for rally threads especially, to have a single post where all updated information could be posted and easy to find.
I do realize that may not be within the control of the monitors of this specific forum, but I thought it worth throwing out here in case something could be done.

Walt

While that is a good thought Walt, I’m not sure it would appeal to everyone. When I open FGRV and tap on a thread of interest, I am directed to the post immediately following the last one I previously viewed. Let’s just say there have been 80 posts stretching to 3 pages after the OP started the thread. Does anyone really want to navigate back to see if the OP has added information or made changes? Even the OP would have to navigate back to make changes if he/she had been following the thread. The host for Scamp Camp in Sebring, Florida, takes a different path. Any attendee gets on his master mailing list and notifications are sent by emails. If something is updated, you get an email. If you fail to check a thread, you might not get the information. Of course email has its drawback. Some people do not understand the difference between “reply to sender” and “reply to all.” That results in a bunch of non-applicable emails such as “we will be arriving on <date>,” or “I will be in Site 77.” I’m not sure there is a perfect solution for either a thread “host” or a rally host.

[WaltP]

Carl
I agree with you that it would not serve a lot of purpose in many threads.
In the case of my rally there is need to post regular updates about what facilities and services will be available as COVID restrictions gradually relax. Also we are hoping to schedule a meal and an event with the park service and we need to keep track of numbers to report back to the park. For attendees to keep up to date and respond to changes it would be easiest to have a central location to check with.

Walt

[Donna D.]

It's not that a thread that's editable/uneditable, it's the rights of the writer/member. In order for the first post to remain editable, that member would have rights to edit ALL their posts. We like to think everyone is rational, but I'm a member on a completely different forum (nothing to do with trailers) and a senior member got really angry and deleted all the text/pics out of their posts. Hundreds of posts were emptied and valuable information was lost.


However, even here on FiberglassRV, if you contact a moderator they can give you rights to edit a post for a limited amount of time. That should satisfy just about everyone who needs to edit something.

[WaltP]

Yeah, thanks Donna. I suspected it would not be practical, just thought it was worth it to check.

Walt

[Bonnie RB]

Here's my start-of-thread post. It appears that it would not be editable per Walt, so this post would be fixed in perpetuity. OK, I can work around that. Please refer to the next post for any updates.

[Bonnie RB]

Immediately (well, 30 seconds) after posting that opening salvo I post a follow-up. This second post can be edited and updated. Because it follows so closely to the original post it gets read by the newcomers seeing the thread for the first time. I can post in this second entry any updates to the event.
Jon MB

[WaltP]

If I understand you correctly, yes, posts are editable by the poster but only for a day. That does not help at all. Go back to some of your older posts and I think you will see that.

Walt

[Perryb67]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

It's not that a thread that's editable/uneditable, it's the rights of the writer/member. In order for the first post to remain editable, that member would have rights to edit ALL their posts. We like to think everyone is rational, but I'm a member on a completely different forum (nothing to do with trailers) and a senior member got really angry and deleted all the text/pics out of their posts. Hundreds of posts were emptied and valuable information was lost.

Originally Posted by WaltP

If I understand you correctly, yes, posts are editable by the poster but only for a day. That does not help at all. Go back to some of your older posts and I think you will see that.

Donna, I know you're one of the best moderators I've run across, but on this topic you know my feelings differ from yours.

RV Life has very conservative time limits for their forums as opposed to the Good Sam Club Open Roads Forum that allows unlimited editing. I moderate a potentially hyperactive bicycle forum using the same software used by RV Life. You can edit any of your posts back to 2004 when the forum began. The forum is properly backed up daily with multiple historical backups. However, there's never been a problem. We and Good Sam treat posters like adults, not children.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Bonnie RB]

Originally Posted by WaltP

If I understand you correctly, yes, posts are editable by the poster but only for a day. That does not help at all. Go back to some of your older posts and I think you will see that.

Walt

Yep, You are correct. On other fora (plural of forum?) I frequent I have the ability to revise my earlier posts with the exceptions of the thread start post and the thread title from the first post. I presumed that ability was universal and a general practice. I now know that it is not, but that each forum can differ.
Jon MB

[WaltP]

Actually I agree with this policy for the most part. It preserves a historical record which I think is very worthwhile.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

Edit window on this forum is 12 hours. On the Class B forum, which uses the same vBulletin software, it’s only 2 hours. Quite a few more typos slip through over there.

For unlimited editing, there are other sites, including FB. It tends tends to produce inconsistencies and discontinuities in the record. Of course, on FB it’s pretty much ancient history after 24 hours anyway….

There are advantages and disadvantages. With editing as with many other things this forum strikes a pretty doggone good balance. I'm a compulsive editor, and I need someone to stop me after a while...

[Janet H]

There are several reasons for the limitations.

1. We've had too many instances of folks going back and editing old posts to either entirely remove content or change it so that the following posts were meaningless.

2. Spammers can register and post seemingly reasonable posts and then go back later and edit them to add spam, porn, etc.

3. Accounts can be hijacked or left unsecured and posts and entire threads can be defaced. At another forum (also and RV Life board) I had a torqued wife login to her partners account and update hundreds of old posts with ""I am a cheater and a thief" at the end of every post .

The edit window is somewhat restrictive but is designed to protect the content of the forum. In the case of vintage rigs, often the only reference material is in these old threads and it's a goldmine for those trying to restore an old beauty.

If you need to edit a post, we are happy to help - just flag down a moderator and ask or even report the post that you need to edit to send alert to the site team.

[Roy in TO]

Some forums with long threads have the ability to create a second slot post which is a thread summary and editable by all that post in the thread.


That may be software driven so I'm not sure if it is applicable here. It might be something to add to a wish list though.

[robf]

You could use a simple web page for your rally.

https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com...builders/free/

[Bonnie RB]

Originally Posted by WaltP

I've thought for a long time that it would be helpful to leave the first post in a thread editable for the thread host. ....
I do realize that may not be within the control of the monitors of this specific forum, but I thought it worth throwing out here in case something could be done.

Walt

by Jon MB
Also for the "For Sale" threads so the original poster can add a "SOLD" once the item is unavailable.


for reference: https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...yer-97984.html

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by WaltP

If I understand you correctly, yes, posts are editable by the poster but only for a day. That does not help at all. Go back to some of your older posts and I think you will see that.

Walt

Twelve hours and not a second more. I’m a somewhat compulsive editor, so I’ve gotten very familiar with when my clock runs out.

It’s only two hours on the Class B forum in which I also participate.

On the other extreme, it’s forever on Facebook, and many conversations end up like Swiss cheese.