Editing posts

There should not be a time limit on editing posts.

So it is at other forums I visit. It's convenience remains unlimited and seldom produces difficulties. So yes, I'm for it.

I agree.

Instead of disabling editing after a certain period of time, just automatically add, "This post was edited on [date/time]" at the beginning of each post. This way, readers will be informed that the post may have been edited after someone responded.

I'm not so sure.  I'm used to the way it is now, and while I know it would be silly for me to worry about revisionism amid posts, I think it would get a bit complex it trying to keep up with posts that are forever editable. 

However, I do think it would help threads alive, somewhat.  It would add another option to adding to the discussion.  So I suppose I say "yea".  

Nitroadict:

think it would get a bit complex it trying to keep up with posts that are forever editable. 

It isn't.  I am a member of my350z.com, and they used to have a time limit on editing posts.  It is much better now that they got rid of it.

We can discuss the lock-out period, but what valid reason would you have for editing a post after a long time?

 And I would ask what valid reason is there to not allow someone to change a post indefinitely?

Regardless though, let's say someone writes a "how to" post, and a year later finds out something new, and people like to refer to the post, and so this person updates the post with new information, so eveyrone does not have to be notified of a new post and have to try and find it.  I don't know.  I am sure there are plenty of reasons why someone may change their post at a later date.

Also, if someone quotes a post, and someone changes their post after it is quoted, everyone can see that it was changed.

Yeah, I see a glaring typo on an old-but-active thread of mine! I want to edit it away!

Spideynw:

nd I would ask what valid reason is there to not allow someone to change a post indefinitely?

Intellectual honesty.  Just like in real life, if someone says something they later regret, they should not be able to change history. 

Spideynw:

Regardless though, let's say someone writes a "how to" post, and a year later finds out something new, and people like to refer to the post, and so this person updates the post with new information, so eveyrone does not have to be notified of a new post and have to try and find it.

A forum is not the right place for this kind of information.  You can add an additional post, which would also notify others that there is something new on a thread.

HeroicLife:

Intellectual honesty.  Just like in real life, if someone says something they later regret, they should not be able to change history. 

In real life, if someone says something they later regret, they can clarify and correct it.  But hey, if you would rather people take up more space by adding more posts, then that is your choice.

Regardless, it is my experience that people like forums more that allow people to change their posts at anytime.

What if you place a large warning on each post that was edited late? I think it would improve over-all writing quality if you allow posts to be edited forever. If someone sees a post they made earlier in the thread with a stupid typo, they can correct it.

For example:

Imagine this in larger, red text:

This post was last edited on [date/time]; it may not reflect the original post.

Yeah, I always add an:

------edit------

That way if someone posts something that is revelant while I'm composting my thoughts I don't have to double post.

Unless it's just a simple typo or something.

I post a lot on another forum with no editing and it just sucks

But I'm fine with a time limit but then again I don't post a whole lot over here so it doesn't effect me as much as others.

----real edit----

Then I went playing around with the user's stats page and found out I'm #10 in number of posts...

I have requested that the developers allow me to make the edit date/note mandatory  - if they do, I will consider making posts editable indefinately.

 Awesome!

 Sounds good.