Animation Source Forums

I've been noticing that topics that are locked are rarely ever deleted. I suggest some form of guideline for the mods regarding the question of whether or not to delete or leave a locked topic as is. All of these suggestions are in my opinion, so please do not take it as if I am imposing something on anyone.

Events where locked topic SHOULD NOT be deleted: If the topic contributed greatly to the forum, and was locked because either it was old, and/or discussion on it has ceased.

Events where locked topics SHOULD be deleted: If the topic contributed useless material/spam to the forum, or contained material that was against the rules.

However, and this is quite important, I think most of the deleted topics should be stored in some form of database for the public to request a view of. If a member is in need of evidence to support something, I think it would be wise to allow visual access to whatever topic they wish to see. Now, I'm not sure how difficult that would be to code. Again, these are mere suggestions.

they are a huge waste. unles it was a topic that an important meaning behind it, and was locked becuase the members were for example, having wars. but, like you said if it was spam or poorly put together, then when it's locked, it should just be removed.

Locked topics are purged every now and then, but we moderators try to use them as referrence in case of further problems, so they remain on the forums for quite a while after being locked.

I do have my doubts this will change anytime soon. Though they waste space, I agree. Unfortunately, we moderators need them ^^

As I do have an account with phpBB, it would be to much hastle for steet, as to do that, you would need to log in (By an Admin account) To the Administration Panel and edit forum permissions, it would be too hard, and moderators wouldn't be able to do it.

Actually I'd imagine it would be rather easy.

Just make a new forum section that is avaliable to only mods and admin and mods move all locked topics still of use to that section without leaving a shadow topic.

I was refering to the bit about members being able to view that forum when needed.

The members could ask the mods to view the material if they had a legitimate reason.

Anyways, I've seen some boards with a "trash can" forum for locked topics to go in. The locked topics that should be removed, that is.

Topics which are locked but not deleted also stay there because the author of the topic wouldn't know why it has disappeared if it's deleted or moved. Thus, some of them would post bad topics again.
I think it's fine the way it is. Only try not to leave locked topics for too long (unless they are important topics like rules, etc...)