For a drearier, scarier, better ‘downs.

[Kuruharan]

I merely suggest putting some things into it. It seems largely neglected, and perhaps what we really need are some more predictable guidelines of what is archived and when.

That way searching for an old thread is easier, and it would be a simple matter for a neophyte poster to see what had been recently discussed, without being squelched on the basis of a six-year-old discussion.

Of course, the problem is getting people to use the resource once it is made available. I'm not entirely sure what could be done in that regard. I'm not sure an annoucement would completely have the desired effect. For one thing, it is an inherent quality of Sticked threads across the Internet that the "Sticky" tag has a magical ability to flip the "Ignore" switch in peoples' brains. I freely admit that I do that sometimes, and sadly I can't come up with a rational explanation as to why...it just sort of happens...

But all that being said, probably the best way would be a dedicated campaign of patient encouragement of its use.