Every forum I have ever been a part of has simply deleted threads older than 2 years. RDN (Relic Developers Network), which contained massive amounts of valuable data on LUA file systems, coding, game engines and content was simply "reset" losing all data. Considering the value of such information and how most other forums treat old threads, I would say locking and archiving is substantially better than what we *could* be doing. Not to say that OPU does not have data worth saving, but precisely the opposite. We have archived it so that users may determine what is worth using. The threads will be viewable (once the IPB issues are resolved) and will be usable as a reference. JUST LINK TO THE OLD THREAD. Its an archive, thats what happens to old data -- it becomes archived lol.
This is a natural process that occurs in all forums everywhere (at least the ones that are managed well) and if we are an active community this will happen on a regular basis. It will not affect how people view this forum or what new users will think since (again) all the old threads will still be viewable and useful. The rate at which new threads are added will quickly bury any evidence of an "empty" forum when archiving rounds come. However, the first archiving was something that should have been done a long time ago and much accumulation was locked and archived. Since Mez is going a good job in this regard, old threads will be archived as they age meaning large groups of threads wont simply disappear as they did this last time around. They will be stored in the archive one at a time and each will be taken on a case by case basis. I trust Mez's judgment in this matter.
I understand your concerns, omagaalpha but this is a necessary function of maintaining an active forum and it will be a regular happening from now on. This is nothing to cause concern as the threads will not be lost to anyone. This will in fact help OPU by allowing users to create new, fresh threads with greater focus by having the benefit of the archive as a reference. I believe in time this will be a resource you will make good use of. Pruning the old threads will create room for fresh ideas to surface.