# Why are old topics closed?

**URL:** <https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-old-topics-closed/317656>\
**Category:** Site feedback\
**Tags:** auto-bump\
**Created:** [July 22, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-old-topics-closed/317656 "2024-07-22T13:22:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 23

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**Author:** ![anon48433008](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@anon48433008](https://meta.discourse.org/u/anon48433008)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:29am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/why-are-old-topics-closed/317656/23 "2024-07-23T11:29:28Z")

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> [@traceymoko](#):
>
> it’s assumed that the problem is solved and there’s no need for further discussion

Assumed is appropriate when solved but I’ve had issues before, search them, find the topics closed and still need help, IMO closed should be reserved for an offensive post where replies are not desired.

Solved problems can arise again with other users, builds, plug-ins etc

> [@traceymoko](#):
>
> I think it would make sense to ask moderators to reopen the original topic and merge your second topic there, since it turns out that your issue is still unresolved.

Sure, except typically you want your forum repaired and that would cause delays

> [@angus](#):
>
> From the perspective of solving support issues it is important to keep every new issue separate, even if they seem similar, albeit with appropriate links to the existing issues for comparison purposes. All issues have to considered new issues until proven otherwise. If you start from the position that it’s the same issue it artificially limits your enquiry and you often miss the real issue. It’s the same principle underlying the inadmissibility of prior convictions in the adjudication of a legal case (until you get to sentencing). Every case has to be judged on its merits otherwise motivated reasoning is often going to push you to be overconfident in your conclusions.

This is all well written, tough to argue, however I’ve had to read through long posts before where near the top the solution seems available and then down its found it is not, sometimes never is.

I’d have to say there never a single size fits all solution, but would like to see more options to not close threads, the auto bump is, IMO, for forums with small communities and a need for more to discuss, to maintain life, I doubt its needed at all here.

Therefore aside from offensive posts even solved ones should be allowed to die out on their own.

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