Should there be one thread for one subject matter?

[King Aragorn]

This has come to my attention recently: why do we have so many threads for really, one subject?
This is quite notable in the gaming section, where after the release of Bioshock: Infnite, there have been tons and tons and tons of threads about it, sometimes addressing the same exact thing as another *The ending, for example.*

Wouldn't it be much simpler to have one thread for one subject matter? and wouldn't it cut down on the usage of bandwidth/forum space?

 

[tippy2k2]

Generally, if there are threads about the exact same subject, Mods will combine them to create a super-thread.

However, a lot of times these threads look the same but are not. To go with your example, some of the Bioshock threads were about your builds. Some were about the ending. Some were about how much they loved/hated the game. Some were made by jerk-faces who don't realize that putting a God damn spoiler in your God damn title is a bad idea! *grumble grumble grumble...

Anyway, that's it. If there are two threads that are exactly the same, let a Mod know and they will do exactly what you are asking about. However, most of the threads do have different goals/objectives and so they are generally allowed to roam free for a week or two before everyone gets bored and moves onto the next shiny object.

 

[Goofguy]

If there are several threads about the same subject at once, then combining them in to a super thread makes sense. However, I'm a firm believer in the creation of similar threads months down the road when there may new discussion value and new users to contribute.

 

[madwarper]

Keep in mind, the forum acts wonky sometimes. It might take a few minutes to update after something is posted. So, it's possible that some users post several threads on a topic, unaware that a thread had already been posted.

Then again, there are some users who see existing threads and can't be arsed to post in that thread and insist on creating their own.

 

[Lucem712]

That's how it 'should' work. But, sometimes a few threads will pile up of the same topic.

Usually with breaking news and when new games are released.

If you ever run into this situation, just PM a moderator or post in the Mod Group, saying 'Thread so and so,[footnote]With links, of course[/footnote] same topics, merge?' or something along those lines.

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

No, because they generally explore slightly different aspects of the subject matter. In cases where they do not, one thread would be fine, but often a slightly different approach is enough to be a different discussion.

 

[Rednog]

No, we cannot have enough "a stranger and your dog are drowning in a whirlpool, which do you save" threads!
How else will we debate such a thought provoking topic without multiple threads?
How else can we call people horrible monsters no matter which option they chose?!