Jonathan5 proposes a feature allowing topics to be marked as solved without designating a specific solution post. They argue this would be beneficial for small topics with multiple valid answers or cases where the original post itself contains the solution. Jonathan5 suggests this would allow marking a topic solved even with no replies or when multiple replies offer solutions.
ToddZ counters that marking a topic as solved without a visible solution would hinder future searchers and recommends users post their own solution and mark it instead. Jonathan5 clarifies that the original post might have been edited to include the solution or created solely to share one. ToddZ suggests such solution-sharing posts might fit better in documentation or wiki categories rather than support forums.
Canapin references a previous discussion, suggesting that if a solution is spread across multiple posts, a user could create an aggregate post to mark as the solution. They argue that the lack of credit for individual contributors in such cases is minor, as helpful users will still receive recognition through likes and quotes. Jonathan5 notes that their request differs from the previous topic, as they want to mark the entire topic solved without any specific post identified. Canapin agrees the topics address different solutions but expresses confusion regarding a solved topic lacking a marked solution, though acknowledging that users sometimes post their own solutions on Meta.
I understand that you won’t change things so that multiple posts can be marked as the solution, as that would complicate things too much, but would it be possible to change it so that a topic can marked as solved with no post being identified as the solution?
My idea probably would not be the perfect solution for a really big topic, but for a small topic where there have been maybe four or five posts and two which provide good solutions (whether different or the same) it would definitely work.
I’ve read the linked topic and I think the best solution by far is the one given by simon:
The issue raised here,
Is very minor for two reasons.
Topics with multiple solutions are rare. I’ve been helping on meta for many years now, I know there are several topics where I only provided part of a solution, and honestly, it’s just so uncommon.
Not having our post marked as “solution” from time to time simply isn’t a big deal, even if you aim to collect solutions. If you are helpful, you’ll be credited with many “solutions” anyway. And your answer can be quoted in a post that assembles multiple parts of a solution. And you’ll also have likes probably, so if the objective is recognition or validation, don’t worry about that
That other topic was about marking multiple replies as a solution. This current topic is about marking the whole topic as solved (without specifying any post as a solution at all). Your post really belongs on the other topic.
Just a thought on that point: maybe that kind of post belongs somewhere other than a support category for questions & answers. Could be a how-to topic in a documentation category, or in a community Wiki like we have here.
