Rules on duplicate posts?

[Zephaniah Adriyen]

I've noticed that, every once in a while, somebody will post the same exact thread in two or three places. What's the rules on that? It's odd and bothersome seeing that right sidebar of new threads get eaten up by duplicate threads.

[Venerable Jazzman]

No spamming

Spam isn't simply multiple identical posts across the forums, it also includes pointless, off-topic or smart-alec posts anywhere on the board. Remember, the B&C is here to promote constructive discussion of the 40K hobby and anything not contributing to this may be considered spam and deleted. Repeat offenders may also be subject to corrective action for such behaviour.

It used to be the case that a Mod would keep one and melta the others, and send a pm/gentle warning to the offending Frater.

However, if the Mod is feeling generous and it's a constructive post that might affect/interest a number of different groups, they'd probably keep what they considered the "primary" post, and turn the others into a link. It's subjective, as it always is.

 

Also, bear in mind that Mods don't look at every forum, so they might not be aware of the duplicate posts. I used to Mod the BA forum, read the PC&A forum for ideas and to provide input, and then browse the News & Amicus fora, and say hi to new members. But if something was spammed in Space Wolf, Ultras and Chaos threads I wouldn't know unless I caught the subjects in the sidebar.

 

But Brother Tyler reads every post, on every forum, every day. He Sees All.

[NTaW]

The standard practice is one thread per topic, though at times forum-specific commentary can mean similarly themed threads. It could also be that you are seeing these duplicates before any Mods have been able to take care of them.

 

Since we all don't read every thread (with the possible exception of Brother Tyler) reporting things you see that are amiss is the best way to bring it to our attention. Personally I see this happen from time to time in the NR&BA section but haven't noticed it elsewhere excepting forum and event announcements.

 

Is there a specific thread (or threads I suppose) you're referring to that we have missed, Zephaniah Adriyan?

Edited May 15, 2020 by NTaW

[Zephaniah Adriyen]

I mean, I've seen it occur in the past a few times, but I was reminded by these two (very nicely painted and photographed) Stormraven threads.

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/363894-blood-angels-death-company-stormraven/

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/363893-blood-angels-death-company-stormraven/

[Jolemai]

There's nothing wrong with that. Each sub-forum has a different audience and not everyone checks everywhere. So whilst a thread may begin the same, the ensuing discussion won't be.

[Brother Tyler]

What they said, except for the part about me reading every post.

 

We most often see duplicate topics come up for several reasons:

• Converted/painted miniatures, showing them off in the Forge as well as in the faction forum. For example, a Primaris Lieutenant from the Ultramarines might be posted in both the Hall of Honour as well as the Ultramarines forums.
• Army lists are often posted in both the faction forum as well as the army list forum for that faction.
• Successor Chapters are often developed in both the Liber Astartes as well as the forum for the "First Founding" Chapter.
• And if a discussion is about a mini/army for one of the Other Games (e.g., Kill Team or Aeronautica Imperialis), it might also appear in the Other Games forum or sub-forum.

All of this is okay as it allows hobbyists to share their works and discuss their passions with members that might not frequent the forum for the game/faction to which their models belong.

 

On the occasions on which a topic is created in an inappropriate forum (e.g., posting a question about the Sisters of Silence in the Adepta Sororitas forum), the mods will most likely move the discussion to the appropriate forum. On the occasions on which there is already an active relevant topic in the appropriate forum, the new topic might be closed.

 

Ultimately, there's a balance between sharing hobby discussion with the broadest appropriate audience and keeping the signal-to-noise ratio down. When in doubt, we prefer to err on the side of allowing the discussion wherever it is appropriate rather than narrowing the audience too much.