Saving disk space

[mawilson 2,133]

Just an idea.

Why not mark certain threads "disposable" - and when they go idle for a few days / weeks / months (TBD),

delete them to recover disk space?

I am, of course, talking about the absolutely useless "game threads" ("Who's next", "Movie ping-pong" etc)

and other useless post-boosting threads in OT ("The blue boxes and hearts on our avatars" etc)

[Captain Ewok 1,857]

That would be useful for certain threads but how do we mark them? It might require a custom script more than just pruning threads over xx days old. Thoughts? It would certainly reduce the database size over time.

[mawilson 2,133]

That would be useful for certain threads but how do we mark them? It might require a custom script more than just pruning threads over xx days old. Thoughts? It would certainly reduce the database size over time.

I'm not sure how to implement it technically, but I imagine it would involve assigning

the threads in question to a new group or category, which could then be selected from

the database on demand. This could be done automatically (e.g. as soon as a thread

reaches a certain size -- say 300 pages or more) or manually.

Visually, there would be a "red flag" next to a thread to warn people that the contents

could be zapped at any moment.

[Mags 112]

Just an idea.

Why not mark certain threads "disposable" - and when they go idle for a few days / weeks / months (TBD),

delete them to recover disk space?

I am, of course, talking about the absolutely useless "game threads" ("Who's next", "Movie ping-pong" etc)

and other useless post-boosting threads in OT ("The blue boxes and hearts on our avatars" etc)

One of those is up to 600 pages long at present.

[~Jackie~ 30]

Make 'Off Topic' not count toward # of posts.

But then be prepared to put out fires in the other forums.

Jackie

[Otto 83]

Just an idea.

Why not mark certain threads "disposable" - and when they go idle for a few days / weeks / months (TBD),

delete them to recover disk space?

I am, of course, talking about the absolutely useless "game threads" ("Who's next", "Movie ping-pong" etc)

and other useless post-boosting threads in OT ("The blue boxes and hearts on our avatars" etc)

Is the 'concern' really disk space?

*cough* thinly veiled...

[reach449 2]

I don't know if this is a good idea. I like the funny and "useless" threads. That is one way of keeping our sanity while we wait. As long as the Captain is not worrying about disc space, then we shouldn't worry. Although I can see if a "useless" thread runs 600 pages, there maybe should be some sort of limit on something like that. Besides, I want to get my next bluebox.

reach449

[Ta Ta 1]

Useless or beneficial is in the eye of the beholder....or reader !

If a popular thread goes up to 600 pages in a short period of time how can it be called useless? The mere fact tells me it is wanted.

If it is truly for technical reasons maybe the idea is valid but as mentioned before

it is a place to support each other.

If deemed useless by some I suggest to leave it to Captain Ewok to decide

what and if anything should be done about it as he knows the technical aspect best.

[PlatyPius 5]

Besides, I want to get my next bluebox.

reach449

And that, most likely, is the real issue. There are SOOOOO many "I agree!" "Me too!" "Good point!" and other useless posts that are simply one more number - one step closer to that elusive blue box or heart - but contribute absolutely nothing. We have people occasionally dredge the old polls or other old topics from a year or more ago and post to every single one of them - just to get another damn blue box. Those sorts of people would soon kill themselves from over-eating if they were locked in a cage with a "treat" button. Seriously.... #######? Do blue boxes and hearts somehow validate ones existence?

[Jenn! 918]

Oh sure, Mark, single out *my* threads...

[mRx 16]

Most of OFF-TOPIC is "useless". That is why it is called OFF-TOPIC. It doesn't offer any help to people's visa journeys.

[kitkat1 5]

#######? Do blue boxes and hearts somehow validate ones existence?

Apparently for some people that is the case. They definitely no longer imply that the poster has been around long enough to potentially be able to provide more accurate or experienced information.

[Ta Ta 1]

Besides, I want to get my next bluebox.

reach449

And that, most likely, is the real issue. There are SOOOOO many "I agree!" "Me too!" "Good point!" and other useless posts that are simply one more number - one step closer to that elusive blue box or heart - but contribute absolutely nothing. We have people occasionally dredge the old polls or other old topics from a year or more ago and post to every single one of them - just to get another damn blue box. Those sorts of people would soon kill themselves from over-eating if they were locked in a cage with a "treat" button. Seriously.... #######? Do blue boxes and hearts somehow validate ones existence?

I think you are going a little too deep with that ....why so abrasive ? It certainly does not

validate my existence but I find certain off topic threads fun and supportive.

Why get your panties in an uproar over nothing ? Just relax man

[KHURRAM SERAJ 0]

The "useless thread" that you talk about has given me support and courage to face this painful process. Isn't VJ supposed to be all about that?

[Nagishkaw 510]

Validate one's existance?? That's just absured.