Hi, I am a user of Arch Linux ARM for several years and I would like to say I very much agree with the sentiments that were expressed in this thread a couple of years ago:
https://archlinuxarm.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=12751&p=58375&hilit=thread+lock#p58375
Why are forum threads being auto-locked after a certain period of time? I find reading through the forum here rather depressing - a long list of unanswered threads that have been locked with no explanation given, as well as threads that showed some promise, with users trying to help each other, being closed because of some arbitrary time limit.
Is there a reason for this locking policy? I can see several downsides to it:
1. From a community point-of-view, it doesn't exactly come across as welcoming for new users, when they post a thread and it gets shut down with no explanation. Nor does it come across as inviting to see so many other unanswered threads that have been locked.
2. It is not helping to support users, or for users to support each other, by effectively setting an arbitrary time-limit within which issues have to be resolved. Even if someone were to reply to a post 4-6 months (even a year) later, the OP would presumably be notified by e-mail and they may still find it helpful.
3. It adds to the level of clutter on the forum. Because, if someone has the same problem that someone else had 6 months ago, rather than being able to reply and keep the topic contained in one thread, they have to create a new thread. The result of this is that you are obviously going to end up with multiple similar threads floating around for the same issue.
In light of this, can this policy please be reviewed? How is it benefiting anybody? The impression it gives is that Arch Linux ARM are not prioritizing the support of their users.