indicate stale thread?

[patbob]

I've noticed that every now and again, someone posts a reply to a stale thread.. by stale, I'm thinking threads where there's been no posts to it for at least 6 months.

Most of the time, it is intentional, but sometimes they seem to be genuinely trying to help someone with a problem that was probably solved months ago.

Is there any way the fourm software could indicate such stale threads to the users better than just a tiny little date off in the corner of the last post? I'm thinking something really obvious like making the background of the text yellow, or maybe the frames around the posts a different color.. something?

If you can point me at docs for the forum software, I'd be happy to try and find such in my spare time.

[Dee8go]

Many of the stale threads have names like "Bonehead doctor" or something to that effect on them.

[Bill Wood]

The threads and posts all have dates on them.

[Dee8go]

Doh!

[Robert Squires]

* I see no problem with adding a new post to an old thread, particularly when the old thread was just left hanging anyway, without any conclusion. The new post then shows up in "New Posts" for all to read and the old thread is back at the front of the line for more consideration (like this one). What's bizarre is the post added to a thread, new or old, which has clearly concluded, problem solved.
* Far too many threads are left unended, without a "solution" post, or at least a "lack-of-further-interest" post. All threads should be concluded. The point of this forum is to learn and problem-solve. You can't learn and problem-solve if the explanation process is curtailed. Think of a shop manual with the last third of the pages missing. Of course, I may be misunderstanding the mission of this forum.
* If it were my call, anyone originating a thread and then not offering a concluding post at some point, say within 30 days, would not be allowed to post again. That sounds draconian but I believe it would make the forum more responsible, if not more useful.
* However, in the interest of enabling this "final post" requirement, I would craft a page of concluding reasons, with check boxes. To make it easy. The thread originator could check the reason that best fit. And that reason would head his final post, in the same way that a quote appears now. For instance, some of the reasons could be:
*1. The problem is solved/question is answered. Thanks to all who responded. The solution is explained in this post.
*2. This was just a bonding thread. I never did have a problem. Just wanted to see what everyone would say.
*3. I can't go any further with this problem now. I'm out of money/time, and I'll repost later.
*4. I'm confused and the responses haven't helped. I'm just going to give this problem to the local mechanic. Might even sell the car.
*5. I've learned a lot about this system. In fact, thanks to your responses, I've become an expert on this system. But I've still got the symptom and can't figure it out. I'm just going to drive the car and wait for a clearer indication.
* There are probably a few more typical concluding thoughts. You could present the problem to the forum for suggestions. It seems to me that everyone's goal is a largely self-moderated forum that is rarely a waste of time. The habit of concluding posts would allow/require everyone to be more committed to a thread.