# Transparent post deletion

**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/transparent-post-deletion/60849
**Category:** Feature
**Created:** [April 12, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/transparent-post-deletion/60849 "2017-04-12T16:00:05Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 1

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### Author: ![tophee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/tophee/32/73406_2.png) [@tophee](https://meta.discourse.org/u/tophee)
#### Post date: [April 12, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/transparent-post-deletion/60849/1 "2017-04-12T16:00:05Z")

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For [some](https://meta.discourse.org/t/adding-the-reason-of-deleting-posts/37382) [obvious](https://meta.discourse.org/t/if-my-post-topic-is-deleted-shouldnt-i-get-warning-pm-or-a-reason/13373) [reasons](https://meta.discourse.org/t/maybe-a-bug-on-meta-post-disappeared/60788), I’d like to propose a feature that supports more transparent post deletion.

I believe that Stack Exchange & Co provide a good template: by default deletions are transparent (i.e., users will know that about the deletion, possibly even learn about the reason for the deletion) but for certain situations [moderators still have the possibility to silently remove posts](https://meta.discourse.org/t/maybe-a-bug-on-meta-post-disappeared/60788/8).

As necessary as post deletions may be to foster high quality discussions, they are also inherently uncivil, if I may say so. So the least we can do is make them transparent. Or, speaking in more technical terms: provide admins with the tools for being more transparent about deletions.

~~Off the top of my head~~ I can see ~~three~~ four ~~levels~~ dimensions of transparency (plus no transparency aka silent deletion):

1. Not actually deleting the post but merely hiding it the same way posts are hidden in simmarized topics. (added based on some replies below)
2. Deleting the post but leaving a visual marker in the post stream representing the deleted post
3. Providing a reason for the deletion
4. Notifying the author of the deleted post about #1 and/or #2

#4 is already possible manually but not at all encouraged UI wise.

Thoughts?

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_[View the full topic](https://meta.discourse.org/t/transparent-post-deletion/60849)._