"Locking" abandoned malware topics?

[Malware Removal Specialist]

This comes out of a recent discussion between me and GX_1 Man.

Many times a user will post a malware problem, with HJT log, but don't see it through to a conclusion. The user just abandons the thread.
 
The trouble is that, when other visitors come along, they post on the "coat tails" of that thread because they have a similar problem rather than start their own thread.
 
If the original user returns it causes untold confusion.
 
What other sites do is to look through open malware threads and, if they've been abandoned by the OP, the thread is locked to prevent others posting to it. If the OP returns he/she can PM a mod/admin to reopen the discussion if need be.
 
I can already see some of my threads being abandoned so I thought now would be the time to raise the point.
 
What do you think should happen here at CH? Should mods/admins lock abandoned malware threads to stop "non-OP" posts?
 
This is an example of a thread closed, reopened at the request of the OP then locked due to lack of responses.  
 
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=1011&page=2 (posts 16 onwards)
 
Is this the kind of approach we should be adopting here at CH?

I certainly think so but invite comments.

By the way I am only suggesting locking malware topics not other threads.


OJ

EDIT: For claity I should also add that I believe "concluded" malware threads should also be locked, again, to prevent others from posting on the end of the discussion.

i think its a good idea.

unlovedwarrior

[Moderator]

Very good suggestion.
You might also see if you can make a stickie of your list of Schools/sites to get accredited at in case there are others interested in taking up the good fight...

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Well, that's 2 for "yes". Maybe wait and see what others think.

Always remember ... once a thing like this is brought in .... somebeody has to monitor it and do the "locking". Any takers for the job?



HJT Training sticky .... no problem. If the site wants it I will put something together.

Somebody authorise me and I'll move on with it.


OJ

[Moderator]

I'm just the head dishwasher here so i can't help you in that department...
But i think it's a good idea.

I think it's a good idea.
Now we just need a moderator to reply . . .
I do see what you mean though, it does happen quite a lot and can cause confusion.

[Mod & Malware Specialist]

I vote Yes for both suggestions.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Please can we have some feedback/views from a mod. on these issues.

Thanks.


OJ

[Moderator]

PM Sent.

patio.  8-)

[Moderator]

I'll be glad to lock posts as directed by OJ. Just a PM and a link are needed. I am out of town for a few days, but I will get to it as promptly as possible.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Thanks for the offer but I don't think you need help from me.

The whole thing is based on the premise that HJT logs have a very limited shelf life. After a couple of days we need to see a fresh log.

So ... if the OP doesn't reply in a week you can take it that they aren't coming back but, if they do, the thread can be reopened.

If a thread is resolved/concluded that will also need to be locked. Say something like ...


If the thread is abandoned ....

Due to lack of response this thread now locked.

Should the original poster require it re-opening please PM GX_1 Man or a moderator.

Similarly, if thread is concluded ......

This thread lock this thread now that it is resolved.

Should the original poster require it re-opening please PM GX_1 Man or a moderator.


You choose your own wording if those don't suit.

Cheers.


OJ

I'm always try to accommodate any requests to the best of my ability and like the ideas however I personally couldn't accommodate the time required to go through and lock each of the posts. If however any of the moderators are open to taking on this task I have no issues with them doing this.

Just make sure the post is resolved / finished before it's closed, so I don't get e-mails about premature locks.

Also I think it would only be fair that more than one moderator takes on this task would hate for one individual to have to do all the work.

[Moderator]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Sorry Fed ... don't follow.

[R.I.P.]

I think that locking a completed and or abandoned thread would be a good idea ........ however, someone has to make the call so that, as the Admin points out, he isnt receiving Emails from irate members, who may have not replied for any number of reasons......
I tend to agree with GX1_Man...... if there is a thread that is required to be locked ...PM .... one of the mods and it will be looked after..... A.S.A.P. ....... ( pardon the pun)

dl65  

[Moderator]

Sorry oddjob I should have explained it clearer.
What I meant is that I don't see it as a problem, sure we get the occasional thread dragged up that is abandoned or completed but it doesn't happen very often or cause any harm.
BTW, a belated welcome to you, I for one appreciate your presence here as I'm sure everyone else does.
Do you know riprip from ASAP?

A HJT training thread would go great in the FAQ forum IMO.

[Mod & Malware Specialist]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

It doesn't hurt to make improvements.

A HJT training thread would go great in the FAQ forum IMO.

I agree, but I think it'd be even better if we had our own training "school".  It's just too bad we don't have the resources to do so.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

My post #10 indicates TWO different wordings when locking the thread AND a prompt to the OP on how to reopen if needs be. Hopefully OPs will be intelligent enough to realise what to do and not get irate with mods/admins.

This process works well on other sites and I have no reason to think it would work differently here.


Fed ... no, I'm afraid I don't know him/her. I only know a few people at ASAP itself. Actually, I think they could do with help themselves on their own HJT analysis work. People become members of ASAP not necessarily to help out at that site but to carry on whatever work they were already doing on other sites.

As to a "HJT training" sticky I've said already that I would be happy to put something together but I do need the authority/approval of site admin to do it, I think. Especially if site admin is to pin it as a sticky.


CBMatt ... yes it would be excellent to have our own HJT training school but, as you say, the resources required would be massive. Anyway, as you already know, there are plenty of excellent training schools already around.


OJ