Safe to archive messages?

[shaundefense]

I’ve tried searching for a simple answer to this with no luck.

If I archive messages, do they ever get deleted? My hope is that they will stay there for future reference while keeping my inbox clean.

[codinghorror (Jeff Atwood)]

Archiving does not delete, no.

[SidV]

I love this answer to see what “archive” means

Best practices for archiving topics

It’s a subtle distinction but Close only prevents new replies. and Archive freezes a topic in carbonite so nothing about it can ever change. Ever. Refer to this handy diagram: [image] The idea is that archived topics would eventually be moved out or deleted. Archiving a topic means it has one foot in the grave.

Check it out

[erlend_sh (Erlend Sogge Heggen)]

A more exhaustive explanation (including that metaphor) is provided here:

What is the difference between Closed, Unlisted and Archived topics?

This visually displays quite well the difference between “Closed” and “Archived”: So how does “Archiving” vs. “Closing” a topic compare? Common to both Displays a “lock” icon next to topic in lists Disables replying to topic Disables “Invite” button at bottom of topic. Closing or archiving a topic does not bump its last activity date. Specific to Archived topics Disables users ability to a delete a post. Disables likes. Disabled poll based voting (effectively closing polls). Disables dis…