Combining threads (moving one into the other)

[bira]

Hi,

One of my moderators asked me today why, since we're on a database, can't we come up with a way to move one thread into another. Sometimes a new thread on the exact same topic as another is started, and that really annoys everyone, having to repeat things that you've just said. I think it would be a cool - and useful - feature if we could "merge" threads together. I can't see it being too hard -- it's essentially moving a bunch of posts from one table row to another in MySQL.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Bira

[Brian]

I am sure you could do that easily but how would you select the post to move it to, and also where to insert it in the post.

[bira]

Brian, choosing the thread is not such a problem to sort, and as for where to insert it: why not have the posts inserted in the same order you have posts appear on a thread anyway - chronologically?

[Martin]

wouldn't that make a lot of repeat posts in the same topic?

there is a command line buried in here or "Questions" that gives the telnet command line query to do what you want, tho. Search my name and you'll see it.

for my purposes I can't see much use to having a function like this, but others might...

[ekanes]

Just for the record, I'd like a merge function as well. FWIW...

People keep on starting up new version of old topics, and it bugs everyone, and we end up locking them, and we want as few unnecessary locks as possible.

[bira]

Originally posted by Martin
wouldn't that make a lot of repeat posts in the same topic?

there is a command line buried in here or "Questions" that gives the telnet command line query to do what you want, tho. Search my name and you'll see it.

for my purposes I can't see much use to having a function like this, but others might...

And it's not repeated now? :)

In any case, the idea is to combine a thread with 4-5 messages into a thread with 30-40 messages.

I'll search your name, Martin. Thanks

[werehere]

bira,

Just for the record, I love this idea. I may not use it all the time, but it would be nice to have available. :)

[bira]

heh, thanks werehere. If you come up with a hack, let me know! :)

[Chris Schreiber]

This would be a wonderful feature to have, all too often people will start a new topic not knowing there was already another active thread about the same thing.

On the same line, being able to split a thread, for example when it goes way off-topic would be neat too.

-Chris

[foens]

just to say - it sound like a good idea

[Me2Be]

Yes, PLEASE add this feature. There are so many times that my visitors go off topic and would love to be able to create those into a new topic of their own.

[eva2000]

well i am new to vbulletin, but how would merging threads effect the 'email notify of replies' function and the thread name from the email ?

[John]

I am planning some more advanced post/thread management features for this next version.

John