It really just depends on the matter, but for duplicate threads you can imagine that it is bad organization if discussion on one single topic is had in multiple threads. The most elegant solution is usually to merge them into one. But sometimes a topic has been covered a million times already in the past and if no one has added anything really valuable in our opinions it can get closed.
If you see that happening there are several things you can do, one is PM a mod if you have a valid reason why discussion should continue... but another one which I'm afraid not everyone does is use the search engine and the index, and look more than just 10 seconds. I assure you many threads that are closed are already out there. Often we use the search engine for you but really I think it's your responsibility to learn how to use it.
One important thing I wanna mention is that I think that the search bar of BL is flawed, it is really limiting and IMO you should always
click on search >> advanced search. And also, I often sort by number of replies if there are many results. More is not always better but surely I can find lots of stuff on BL. If you cannot find any discussion on LSD and storage you are really doing something wrong.
I'm sorry about newcomers, everything is hard when you first have to learn it, but staff here have a responsibility to keep things organized. If we let everyone do whatever they want it would not be organized or pleasant to use. Moderation is sometimes also encouragement not to be lazy but to actually read the rules and FAQs yourself. Ask yourself how many FAQs have you read here? Have you really tried to find out ways to get your answers other than just thinking: 'well hey I will just open a thread'? Look I'm not mad about that AT ALL, but just don't be surprised if threads are closed because we are trying to put in our free time to keep it tidy here.
It's hard not to let this sound as staff/ex-staff ass-kissing but Shambles as crew or ex- senior mod understands that we have to do a certain minimum of readjusting here. Anarchism does not work, we want to keep it a nice place for everyone but if people don't use the forum correctly we have to moderate for the good of the majority. Even if you were hoping to discuss a subject in a new thread. This is not a chat box.
If I had all the time and motivation in the world I would keep redirecting people for them, make it all crystal clear when I close something... but I suggest you try doing that again and again and again. I double dare you.
Dwayne I don't really think you are getting here what good we are trying to do. I don't need your approval, but I can very well do without your anti-establishment attitude. It's getting old.
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Oh yeah DJ revisionist really mentioned what I said in a compact post already! Yes, it's either incorrect use of the search function or not using it at all.
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Also yes I agree with you Shambles, that new mods should be given a chance to learn. If you disagree with something just PM that mod about it and if you have a valid point I'm sure we will remember to try and do a better job next time.