Users report that the “Reply” button appears on closed topics even when logged out, which may confuse new users who cannot reply. Jonathan5 observes this behavior across browsers and login states, suspecting Discourse remembers admin sessions. JimPas confirms admins/mods see the button because they can still reply to closed topics — sometimes leading to confusion when mods unknowingly post in closed threads. ondrej suggests the button serves as a prompt for users to log in or sign up, acting as a reminder to participate. Jonathan5 counters that hiding the button for logged-out users would reduce confusion, since new users can’t reply anyway, while experienced users would understand the topic is closed. darkpixlz confirms the issue with a screenshot, indicating others have noticed it too. The behavior appears intentional but debated — whether it’s helpful or misleading depends on user perspective. No setting or safe mode fix is confirmed, and it’s unclear if this applies to archived topics as well.
I’ve just noticed that on closed topics the Reply button still appears. I’m on 2.8.0.beta7.
I’ve checked while logged in as admin, and logged out, and the Reply button is still there. Then I used a different browser, cleared all cookies, and it’s the same. I’ve logged in as a TL1 user and the Reply button disappears but when I log out again it’s there again.
It seems likely that Discourse has a clever way of knowing the forum administrator has logged in from this computer… but, if not, is there some setting I should change?
As an admin or a moderator the Reply button is still visible because these users are able to reply to a closed topic. I’ve have 2 mods go back and forth with several posts each before one realized the topic was closed - and they wouldn’t get any replies from other users.
That’s exactly what happens - no matter if an admin or mod logs in from a PC or mobile. However, I have not checked to see if the reply button still shows for archived topics or not seeing that as of now we don’t have any archived topics.
I believe that this is normal behaviour. When clicked it shows users the sign up/login modal. So I assume it’s there as a reminder. “Hey if you want to participate you need to login.”
It would make more sense for no “Reply” button to appear while logged out for any closed topic. I imagine that the chance of confusing a new user (who cannot reply) by having a “Reply” button is greater than the chance of confusing an experienced user (who can reply) by not having it.
