There is no reason why newbies should not read old threads. In fact it would probably be a good thing if they did and then got a feel for the tone of the forums. This would also give them an insight into who was a traditionalist or a modernist; those who speak with authority or those who are frivolous. There is a vast amount of valuable information in the old threads.

BUT

If a thread is over say 2 years old, it is really debatable whether anything else could be added of any benefit. I am saying 2 years, but I believe that most threads die naturally, long before the 1 year point is passed. Apart from religion and politics (which are banned) most peoples' opinions change on a regular basis because of outside influences (births, deaths, marriage, employment, wages, health, government, age). On the other hand, threads which ask for factual information (What is your job?, military service?, tartan?, clan?) can be added to forever.

THEREFORE

Would it not be possible to create an 'Admin Mod' whose job was solely and exclusively to tidy up the forums? He or she would not have to make any value judgments as to what was a good or bad thread and therefore not make any enemies.

The other Mods could still close and re-open threads as required and do all the modding that is needed. The 'Admin Mod' could add notes to a closed thread to explain the reasoning behind a closure. If there is a genuine reason for re-opening a thread , then it could be re-opened. The Mods would still have ultimate control, but all the cybersecretarial work would be done by the 'Admin Mod'.

This way all old threads would still be accessible and if a member wishes to add something new, they would have to start a new thread and then get the current thinking of the membership, rather than re-hashing old ideas and thoughts.

The other thing is that as long as a thread is open, then everything said, every opinion forcefully held, every stance taken must be defended by the original poster. Is it really fair to hold people to ransom, 2, 3, 4 years after the fact. Every member's situation has changed in that time - many not for the better. It really is not fair to force people into action for something they said a long time ago. I don't think that is the kind of people we are.

Far better to close down old threads. I am sure the majority of members will not realize that it is happening.

Regards

Chas