topic Cross-posting in Community Site Feedback

Cross-posting

decomplexity — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:18:08 GMT

I recently has one of my posts deleted as it apparently contravened the "no cross-posting" forum rule.
The 'cross-post' was, however, exactly that: not a duplicate of the text of the original post but a hyperlink cross reference to the original post which was posted because the subject spanned more than one topic area.

In the forum rules, cross posting is defined as a duplicate post - something which is rightly banned as replies become fragmented across forum topic areas.
I would suggest that 'cross reference' cross-posting is both legitimate and sometimes necessary. it is also a widely accepted good practice elsewhere (i.e on non PN forums).

Re: Cross-posting

Strat — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:59:38 GMT

I find cross thread referencing very useful as do the Comms team but I don't know the circumstances of this particular incident.

Re: Cross-posting

decomplexity — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:43:15 GMT

The relevant Forum rule states:
"Cross Posting
We do not allow 'cross posting' where a user posts the same text in more than one forum. This wastes resources as forum users have to read posts twice. It also causes confusion to the original poster as they may well find that replies are disjointed over 2 or more threads."
Perhaps the wording should be changed to ban 'duplicate posting' but to state that cross posting (in the 'cross reference' sense that is understood in other forums) is explicitly permitted.

Re: Cross-posting

geewizz — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:39:48 GMT

"This wastes resources as forum users have to read posts twice"
Fantastic! This rule just needs a rider about carbon footprints to perfect it.