"Why has my thread been locked?" A brief summary on our policy

lanifiel
February 10th, 2007, 4:48 am
Greetings, if you're reading this thread chances are your thread has been locked and you're unsure of the reason. The purpose of this thread is to explain the common reasons as to why a thread is closed and how to avoid this type of problem in the future. So let us begin.

Reason One: The thread already exists. Your thread covers something for which we have an existing thread. CoS Forums has been around for nearly five years. In that time we've had topics that pretty much cover every conceivable theory in the Potter Universe. If we have an already established thread it is expected that you use this thread to post in. Our reasoning behind this is an effort to keep the forums tidy. We don't want to see a thousand threads with three posts in them all about the same thing. This will lead to post count boosting and a general clutter which is something we want to avoid.
How to avoid this: In order to avoid this problem it is suggested you use the search feature. Ensure the "Search titles only" option is selected and enter a few keywords on the subject you wish to post on.

Reason Two: Inappropriate or not family friendly. In an effort to keep our forums accessible to all ages CoS Forums has developed certain rules and guidelines which all our members are expected to adhere too. By joining our forum and participating you agree to follow these rules. If a thread, either new or established, begins to break the family friendly intent of the forums the thread will be closed. How this happens will normally be up to the moderator who reads the thread. One approach might be to warn the thread in a general manner that this discussion is inappropriate for the forums. Another might be to close the thread right away and open a new one to get the topic back on track. Both options are valid and at the discretion of the moderator in action.
How to avoid this: To avoid this type of closure make sure you are familiar with the rules of CoS Forums. Remember, ignorance of the rules is no excuse.

Reason Three: lack of discussion material. Occasionally threads will be created which require a one word response or minimal interaction. CoS Forums has striven to create the best Harry Potter forums around, and in an effort towards this we want threads that people can engage in friendly debate over. If you start a thread which states "Harry Potter is cool isnt it?" chances are it's going to be closed. Not because we don't agree, but because it's not going to create any debate material worthy of in depth discussion.
How to avoid this: Put a little through into the creation of a new thread. There are new topics out there, likewise there are established topics which are always welcoming of a new opinion. Get involved.

Reason Four: Dormant discussion topic. CoS Forums has been around for awhile and during that time certain discussions have been closed for behavior problems. Yes, I find it hard to believe that people cannot play nice as well, but it happens. As such certain discussion topics are dormant while waiting the right time for a new lease at life. Opening a domrnat topic will result in it being closed. More may be added.

Current Dormant Thread Topics:
"Snape's Worst Memory" Due to rival factions pushing agendas rather than discussion this topic is on vacation.
"Love threads" Love threads drive us nuts. After book seven is released you'll see them return. Not till then.There are the basic reasons a thread may be closed. I hope this helps you to understand our reasoning behind closures. Please don't think that it's personal or that we're being mean. These rules are in place for the good of the forum. If you wish to challenge the closing of your thread, feel free to discss it with an Admin. These are the people with red names... Like mine... Thanks for your time.