An idea to see how well we do.

[gll99]

Just an idea.

Could a box be added on the right of a thread where the originator could at some point put a check mark to indicate that his/her question was answered. Multiple check boxes could be used like "Yes" "No" "Partially".
Maybe a Happy face, sad etc.. also would be neat.

You could do some tabs and produce site stats to see how the originator feels and it could also be used as a stop flag so someone doesn't answer a thread that is already completed but not closed.

If you wanted to force the use:

Users with old threads say 2 weeks old would need to check them off before posting new questions or bump it back up to current status.

You get my drift. Stuff like that!!!

[tgpo]

The problem would come when someone felt their question was answered and closed it, but then someone has a better answer for them and is unable to post it due to its closing. Posts usually end when people feel the question has been answered, but it is a nice suggestion.

[gll99]

tgpo:

There are a number of issues that would need to be worked out like you say. Closing a thread this way may not be feasible.

I guess I am looking for some positives. Many threads die through lack of interest. Or maybe no-one sees them. On any given night there may be only 10 or less registered users online but 50 visitors. The threads quickly disappear from the current title page unless you bump (I know its not supposed to happen but... ) Its hard to go back a few days and try to help someone when there are so many new questions coming up.

Some users are happy to come back and say "Yea it worked" or something like that but you have to open up the thread to see those. We know that there are many success stories and it would be good to highlight them.

I guess my idea was that with some stats and people taking an interest in improving the success rate it would help the site thrive even more.

[Baldrick]

A good idea, so you can easily see what topics are "problem solved" but it requires that the user actually bother to change the topic to "solved".

I'm not sure if it is that easy to implement though.