One thread multiple people

[learninmypc]

I've seen some threads in here where a person posts a problem they're having & other will chime in saying they're having the same or "exact" same problem(s). Shouldn't the "others" start their own thread to avoid confusing the OP and/or helpers?

In other forums, its considered hijacking which is why I didn't continue in this thread.
Just curious, tia.

 

[mailpup]

Yes, hijacking threads is discouraged in this forum as well but the way they are handled can vary by the circumstances and they can vary depending upon the moderator or administrator. Sometimes it's a judgement call on whether or not a post constitutes hijacking in the first place. It's not an exact science.

Sometimes the hijacking is not discovered in a timely fashion or at all. Moderators and admins cannot always keep up with all the threads and their content. This is one of the reasons there is a "Report" button.

 

[learninmypc]

Ok, I didn't want to get anybody in trouble which is why I used myself as an example. Thank you.

 

[mailpup]

I wouldn't necessarily call it getting people into trouble. Most members don't maliciously hijack threads, IMO. They just don't know better or don't realize what they are doing. Helping the OP is a better way of looking at it. If you were the OP, wouldn't you appreciate the efforts to keep your thread clear of hijackers so you can solve your problem?

 

[learninmypc]

I wouldn't necessarily call it getting people into trouble. Most members don't maliciously hijack threads, IMO. They just don't know better or don't realize what they are doing. Helping the OP is a better way of looking at it. If you were the OP, wouldn't you appreciate the efforts to keep your thread clear of hijackers so you can solve your problem?

Yes, understood. Thank you.

 

[bobcat]

Just some personal thoughts on the matter, which are not claimed to provide a valid reply to the question.

If someone else posts in the thread a (somewhat) similar but not identical problem whose solution may not be the same, then that is hijacking the thread.

But if someone simply states that he has the exact same problem, then that is bumping the thread. It might even be argued that he adds weight to it by showing that the problem is common.

Finally, if someone states that he has the same problem and gives more relevant info which might assist the helpers, then that is clarification. But always provided the problem is clearly the same.

 

[mailpup]

If someone simply states that he has the exact problem and stops there, it might not be considered hijacking in and of itself. However, as a practical matter, I believe that seldom happens.

If someone states that he has the same problem and gives more information, then you end up with conversations with two different members within the same thread. That is practically the definition of hijacking and I submit that is not in the best interests of the OP.