Originally Posted by Selezen (Post 966877)

It's an interesting issue, though - what actual benefit does so-called "thanks" posts provide? The "necropost" in this case provided a "thanks" to both/either the original poster or the creator of this model, which would provide both/either of them the knowledge that their model was still being actively seen, downloaded and appreciated. Vital feedback for that modeller and some small incentive to keep providing free models, which is what this forum's all about.

A large part of the recognition and thus motivation for designing and providing free models comes from these kinds of forums, and from this sort of post in particular. Which is what prompted my initial question about it. From a certain point of view, the necroposter did not provide much in the way of new information, but did provide a very important service both to the designer and to members of this forum (like me) who signed up long after that thread stopped being updated but has not had the time to read through everything.

This thread suddenly popping up has improved my perception of the diversity and quality of the modelling work that has been featured on this forum for many years, so surely that's a good thing?

Again, I feel I should apologise for making an issue of this, but I would reiterate that the original designer has just gained at least four new downloads of his great model and some more recognition and kudos because of gideon1962's post. Sorry if this is controversial, but I hereby thank gideon for that.

Originally Posted by zathros (Post 966884)

Not controversial at all. In actuality, We would prefer that the person start a new thread, refer back to the old thread, if needed, and then post pictures of their build.

The reason for this is that we have had a really big problem with SPAMMERS posting in old threads, or people making two words posts in 10 minutes trying to bump up their post count, then attempt to download our complete model database for their 20 words worth of contribution. Sometimes, you see the same models we offer for free offered for sale in that Chinese Paper Model site that sells the models that everyone else gives away. Please, don't post the name of that site, I think everyone who needs to know, knows already. I can understand that the words "Thank You", could give an indication to the original poster that their model is still being download, and that people are interested. A "Thank You", in a new thread, with pictures of a build of the model, would be a better response. A new thread, with pictures of the completed model with the link offers a fresh new thread, with the same results you have stated. This is another reason we do not want people making posts such as, "Thanks", in an old thread. We have considered closing all the old threads and making them read only. That would make it necessary to make new posts and cut down on the labor involved with maintaining the website. It is like visiting your public library and the librarian asking you not to write in the books. The books are completed. Just allegory, and hyperbole is not necessary. No other implication is inferred. We would prefer a new thread, with new pictures, even of just finding the model. Some would call it double posting. I do not. I find it hard to dig into 6 year old threads and am most pleased when someone posts their own discovery of a neat model that was posted here 6 years ago. The database is vast. These are the thoughts behind why we wish people to post only in current threads. We have already stated that there is value in resurrecting an old thread, but that too can be done with posting that "such and such model is still available", and again, posting pictures of building the model you have (you in general), just downloaded, is the best way of showing thanks and appreciation to the designer. It is the way we do it here, that's all. There is no controversy. Forums have their own rules for reasons that are readily known and for other reasons that are not. If you wish to discuss this further, send me a P.M. or start a new thread on the subject of "Rules and Policies", as technically, this is off topic though the subject was mentioned. We are just people, like everyone else. We are just trying to keep the gears lubed and the machine working. While we ask that no one 'Necropost', and that idiomatic expression was not started here, we do not penalize people for doing it, though it is clearly written in the rules. We just ask them to not do it. I hope "gideon" posts a nice build thread, it could be very helpful for others who may wish to build it. :)