The comments got moved because I used some software I wrote to merge threads. (Just in case it's not clear, I'm a moderator here.)
When two threads are covering substantially the same story, we often merge them to prevent split discussions and to prevent duplicate posts on the front page. Is it a fair practice? That's for you to decide. I think it is! Actually the community tends to get annoyed if we don't do it.
With respect to your moderation and authority here, no one was annoyed. It was a healthy debate. Same topic was released by NY before I shared this, but this one attracted engagement. I believe that deserves some respect. But anyway, it is your platform, you are the boss. I share stuff that makes to me. You do what your conscience appeals to you.
If you don't think HN users get annoyed by duplicate threads, all I can tell you is stick around!
This is just standard/boring forum moderation. HN has done it for many years. Moreover we do it so often that if there were even a slight tilt of community opinion against it, we'd never hear the end of it. That's how I know the community likes it.
It’s just a duplicate thread being moved to the original thread where the discussion on the topic is much further along. I’m sure you understand how counterproductive it is to scatter and divide discussions on a single topic across a website.
This is simply about having relevant information accessible in the one place and is absolutely fair.
8 comments
[ 3.3 ms ] story [ 27.5 ms ] threadEdit: And that title isn't talking about mining.
When two threads are covering substantially the same story, we often merge them to prevent split discussions and to prevent duplicate posts on the front page. Is it a fair practice? That's for you to decide. I think it is! Actually the community tends to get annoyed if we don't do it.
This is just standard/boring forum moderation. HN has done it for many years. Moreover we do it so often that if there were even a slight tilt of community opinion against it, we'd never hear the end of it. That's how I know the community likes it.
This is simply about having relevant information accessible in the one place and is absolutely fair.