Question about changing a Posts Forum Category ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 10:26:27 am
content: I've only ever posted stuff in this 'General-Chat' area so far.I know the Forum controllers can change a post to another category, but, can a Memberdo that themselves ?, or better still... Duplicate it in another category also ?? Thanks.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:09:11 am
content: I believe only moderators can move a post or thread.As for cross-posting it is considered bad form anywhere on the Internet, not only here.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:16:56 am
content: Quote from: GlennSprigg on May 28, 2019, 10:26:27 amYes, they can.QuoteNo ... and it would not be a good idea. Multiple threads on the same topic is already annoying.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:18:48 am
content: As an OP you can shift threads almost where ever you like.If you look at the left hand foot of the page inyourthread there's a Move Topic button.Click that and follow your nose.In this thread I explore its possibilities:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/what_s-this-move-topic-icon-all-about/

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:22:23 am
content: Find it here: (Only available on threadsyoustarted.)

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:36:14 am
content: The original author of a thread now has the ability to re-locate it to any section of the forum using themove topicicon located at the lower left of the thread page. One restriction is the Supporters Lounge where a thread can be moved to but not from without moderators assistance.Duplicate threads are generally not allowed, for example a new member has recently posted mirror threads in both the Beginners and also the Projects, Designs & Technical Stuff sections, the subject was relay testing and two discussions could result in confusion with different advice.

author: GlennSprigg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 11:59:09 am
content: Thankyou all. I understand now (with the most minimal forethought!) that 'duplicating'posts/threads would be a nightmare !! I know how to change it now, if need beSometimes I wonder if I (we) are 'missing' 80-90% of members, by being in the wrong category!

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 02:23:51 pm
content: Selecting the right category can be a challenge sometimes. You may have a topic that could fit in any of 2 or 3 categories - and you have to pick the best one, which isn't particularly obvious.

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 02:47:12 pm
content: Does that mean we have too many categories or not enough? That's the question.

author: StillTrying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 02:56:09 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on May 28, 2019, 02:47:12 pmToo many, a member could get lost in them and not be found for weeks.Sometimes when an interesting thread falls off the Recent Posts List I never find it again because I can't remember the subject or category it was in.

author: dnwheeler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 05:47:59 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on May 28, 2019, 02:23:51 pmThere should be a mechanism to "mirror" the same topic in multiple categories. That would let everyone see them, but keep the message thread intact.

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2019, 12:35:06 am
content: Quote from: dnwheeler on May 28, 2019, 05:47:59 pmI also very briefly flirted with that idea. Then I realised it would be certain proof of a poor set of categories. ie too many.An example would be say, repair of an oscilloscope power supply. Does it go in a single repair category for repairs. Which is my preferred option.Or does it go in one of these or have visibility in several?repair --> oscilloscopesrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digitalrepair --> oscilloscopes --> analoguerepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> HPrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> Tektronixrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> Keysightrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> Rigolrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> Siglentrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> Owonrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> USBrepair --> oscilloscopes --> digital --> other including "old eastern Germany oscilloscope RFT EO 211"repair --> oscilloscopes --> analogue --> Tektronixrepair --> power supplyrepair --> power supply --> linearrepair --> power supply --> switchmoderepair --> power supply --> test equipmentrepair --> power supply --> vintageThis is more a comment on creation of categories than moving posts but I tend to favour having the less common stuff not secreted away in a rarely viewed category when the repair is a generic one common to all power supplies where generic help from many could be available if the post were in your face.If on the other hand someone came here looking for posts about a old eastern Germany oscilloscope model RFT EO 211 then it might be useful to have it in a small category IFF the search of the model number found nothing.Which is best? There is no answer. Neither is best.Sometimes I think you should create new categories for new topics like dodgy crowdfunding campaigns or debunking or something usefully enduring like vintage computing. BTW, if it was my forum I wouldn't have dodgy crowdfunding or debunking. I just use them as examples of a category that doesn't overlap. Whew, I got back on topic. Almost. And I didn't mention the war.