Re: [SLE] Please, Please start *new* threads and not simply reply to existing threads!

* Tom Emerson [04-21-03 12:40]:

On Monday 21 April 2003 06:06, Patrick Shanahan wrote:

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* James Mohr [04-21-03 02:12]:

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Those that do not use a threaded mail reader do not see a problem, [...] it is in everyone's intereste to start a *new* thread and not simply reply to an existing one and then change then subject.

There has been some discussion on the kmail list on how to handle someon who does this (intentionally or otherwise) by detecting it has happened, scanning for "more-or-less proper" ways of altering a thread heading (i.e. use of "was <oldsubject>") and zapping the "references" header as appropriate. I think it is a nice idea and will help "educate" those new to the system, but it only addresses the problem from -one- e-mail client.

This will not correct the situation of thread theft. A *new* subject, removal of *In-Reply-To:* and *References:* headers must also be done. But the damage is already done. If you search the archives in threaded mode (which is the only way to follow a specific topic to completion) the stolen thread will still appear in the wrong location and interrupt the original thread. The *only* solution is to do it correctly, period.

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Your heart is in the right place but, sadly I fear, you are beating a dead horse. Courtesy and Respect appear to be lost attributes.

I noticed that the sudden rise in thread-theft occured immediately after 8.2 started arriving in people's hands -- I wonder if there are far more "new" people to this list because 8.2 is their first into to linux (or first intro to SuSE) It could be possible that use of other e-mail clients, which didn't support threading in the first place, has them "trained" the wrong way...

It is more likely that they have *no* knowledge of what a *thread* is and how it is used. A very similar situation is asking for help about two or more completely different subjects in the same post and the use of non-specific *Subject:* headers. It is common practice with almost anyone who receives many emails to scan the *Subject:* headers and delete threads that they have no interest. Failure or *refusal* to trim quotes and sometimes above, sometimes below text answers that destroy readability are also *very* common millstones. Education and continual correction (many miss-call it policing) is the only likely solution, with wholesale commitment. Being courteous and respecting others. -- Patrick Shanahan Please avoid TOFU and trim >quotes< http://wahoo.no-ip.org Registered Linux User #207535 icq#173753138 @ http://counter.li.org Linux, a continuous *learning* experience