[Scutter]

I understand the desire to eliminate "duplicate" threads. The problem is, because we are so vigilant about it, it diminishes this sites utility as a source of breaking news.

Many people don't want to wade through thousands of comments to find the two or three posts with an update on a breaking issue. It would be different if the original poster had the ability to ammend (or append to) the lead article with new details.

But since we do not have that capability, it really makes it harder to use FR as a good source for breaking news.

Anyway, that's my two cents worth. Flame away...

[Admin Moderator]

We generally use a 4 hour rule for duplicates, unless a thread is overkill, ie, "Terror in the skies, again". If a thread is posted over 4 hours, we usually let it go. If it's a breaking news item, in the breaking news sidebar, we pull it because it's still in the first couple positions in the breaking news sidebar. What we're trying to do is eliminate multiple posts within an hour or two. Today for example, we had a ton of "ann coulter was banned" threads. When a simple search for 'coulter' would have turned up hits.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Many people don't want to wade through thousands of comments

Double edged sword.

There wouldn't be "thousands of comments" to wade through that are needless if people cut down vanities and duplicate posts.

If you subscribe to "Breaking News" and it is listed on the right sidebar, you can click the words "Breaking News" at the header of that topic and it will take you to that forum. They will all be listed there.

In some cases, the search might not find a previously posted article or vanity, but in most cases it would if JoeLazyButt would use it.

It clutters up the forum to make duplicates and vanities, and it shoves down the list the articles when they are originally posted.

[TomServo]

It would be different if the original poster had the ability to amend (or append to) the lead article with new details.

Contrary to popular belief, the AR button isn't just for abuse. You can ping the AM to amend to original post if you'd like. Doesn't mean they'll do it, never hurts to ask, though.