Is there a particular reason that this forum doesn't use the "goes to top of page when posted on" mechanic that's used in many other popular forums?
I understand we're using the reddit-like architecture, but it seems (not that I have any sort of data to back it up) like it stifles discussion to let things drop off the front page as new things appear.
Or perhaps I'm just far more used to bump style forums.
Because it's not uncommon for people to comment on posts several years old, especially in Main. And the Recent Comments sidebar/page is good enough IMO.
Is there a particular reason that this forum doesn't use the "goes to top of page when posted on" mechanic that's used in many other popular forums?
Because (as far as I know) the back-end software doesn't support it, and implementing it is developer time. It would probably be easier to have an additional box on the right that points to the most recent post of each of "open_thread", "quotes", "media_thread" etc. tags.
(ETA: I've submitted an feature request)
Also see this comment: http://lesswrong.com/lw/929/less_wrong_mentoring_network/5jnm?context=1#5jnm
Perhaps a different name? A good idea under any name, though, so don't let that hold you back, it can always be changed later.
Many of these threads are already tagged as 'community.' I would go with that.
Edit: There's also http://wiki.lesswrong.com/wiki/Special_threads, which has links to the 'quotes' and 'open_thread' tags, at least. I don't use the wiki much, so I'm not sure what the most useful way to proceed would be.
Open threads aren't being tagged apparently... Last open thread tagged that way was in September 2011, the one before that in September 2010. Looks like I'll have to link manually.
It annoys me that there's no way to sticky a thread in the discussion section.
Therefore, I propose creating an LW wiki page called "Stickies", where sticky-worthy threads would be linked to. Would that be acceptable?
These are the threads I'm planning to add:
ETA: Following a tip-off by peaigr, I re-purposed the Special Threads wiki page for this. (The stickies are in the 'periodic threads' section.) Now if there were a way to make this page more conspicuous...
Meanwhile, dbaupp has submitted a feature request.