Merging similar threads.

[kato13]

We have had success in splitting wildly drifting threads. The "Ruins of Warsaw mass combat?" thread made me consider merging very similar threads. The one downside I see is that it might stifle conversation if people think we have already covered a certain subject. An occasional revisit of even well covered subjects can bring up valuable new information.

The other option which I already did is to link the similar threads. Does anyone have any opinions on this? Can anyone think of positives or negatives I might be missing.

[Earthpig]

I think the link idea is great. One thumbsup here.

[Targan]

I vote merge if you think it is appropriate.

[Grimace]

Being the instigator and recipient of the "duplicate thread with links", I think the linking worked really well. It let me see the two other areas where the topic had been talked about, and I could read each without feeling overwhelmed with the sheer volume of one big thread.

I think merging threads would make some too big, and would also make it a little more difficult to use the search function and get a positive hit (something I neglected to do before posting that thread in question). If I had put in Ruins of Warsaw mass combat in the search, I would have likely gotten hits from the Warsaw thread and the macro combat thread. If they were combined into one, depending on the title, it may be harder to get a successful hit on a search.

So, if people know that something was talked about before, I think the linking works pretty good.

[Mohoender]

I agree with the link solution for pretty much the same reason as Grim.

[Marc]

I agree with the links, too.

[kato13]

I think I will stick with links unless merging is obviously appropriate. I have a pretty good memory for what threads are here but if I miss one feel free to add your own links.