Vanity On Duplicate Threads

Free Republic ^ | 3/1/04 | Admin Moderator

[Preech1]

This is just a reminder that before one posts an article, one should check to see if the article has been previously posted in order to avoid duplication.

Duplication causes several problems. Just like the old Monty Python skit about spam, if the same thing is posted over and over, it can drown out other valid posts. It needlessly consumes system resources. It fragments discussion.

In general, moderators will pull duplicate postings when we are alerted to them or when we notice them. This has the benefit of eliminating the "spam" effect and it helps keep discussion from being fragmented. However, it does not really save system resources, and it can be frustrating when one is about to reply to a thread and it vanishes (due to being a duplicate). A better solution is for people to take care to ensure they are not posting a duplicate.

To avoid duplicate postings, some things can help. First, when posting, search to see if the article has already been posted. Load up the "Latest Posts" page and scroll down it to see if the same article is there. Check the sidebars. And use the FR search engine.

Second, do not change the title of an article when posting it. Doing so makes it less likely that another searching to see if an article was posted will find the earlier copy.

Third, don't be in a rush to "be the first" to get an article up. Really, is there a big need to do so?

Also, here is a tip for using the FR search engine. Only words that are four or more letters are examined, so searching on "Pim" or on "CIA" will not accomplish anything.

Finally, I will add that not all duplicates are removed. On the day an article is published, if several hours (four or more) have passed since the article had last been posted, we will tend to leave it up if it is reposted (unless it is still visibile in a sidebar) to make it so that people who don't scroll back several pages will not miss an article of current relevancy. However, this should not be overdone or abused or this may change.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOPICS: Announcements; Free Republic; Your Opinion/Questions; Click to Add Topic KEYWORDS: DUPLICATES; PULLING; SEARCHING; Click to Add Keyword --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ Report Abuse | Bookmark ]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Preech1]

Where is the thread you reference in your posting?

[woofie]

I am in favor of dupicate threads ...I am, however against threads that duplicate

[Preech1]

Hmm...how about posts that replicate?

[woofie]

It depends on who they replicate with

[Preech1]

Mission accomplished...we beat the other thread. Now Admin Moderator can freeze this one for posterity.

[TomServo]

Well - I'm just gonna have to bump the other then....

Muahahahahahahahaaaaa...

[Preech1]

You, my friend, are certifiably insane...

[MaryFromMichigan]

You, my friend, are certifiably insane...
Insanity is not so bad, once you got used to it...

[AdequateMan]

What's going on here? Sorry guys, I got here late and I think I missed it. Could any of you bring me up to speed?
BTW I think this had already been posted on another thread. At least it seems familiar. If you want, I can blockquote the entire other thread with copy/paste. Any takers?

[MaryFromMichigan]

If you want, I can blockquote the entire other thread with copy/paste.

Wow! What a good idea! Go for it! :)

[TomServo]

Insanity is not so bad, once you got used to it...

Finally - someone who understands.

[MaryFromMichigan]

Ah, I hate to be a tattle tale, but I think AdequateMan is up to some thing!
Quick! Check out his last post!

[Lazamataz]

The girl knelt in the confessional and said, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned." "What is it, child?" "Father, I have committed the sin of vanity. Twice a day I gaze at myself in the mirror and tell myself how beautiful I am." The priest turned, took a good look at the girl, and said, "My dear, I have good news. That isn't a sin... it's simply a mistake."

I love you.

[MaryFromMichigan]

Good morning, Laz!
It's mutual!

[Preech1]

Go For it...(Insert Maniacal laugh here...)