Deleted Post Becoming Undeleted

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 02:52 PM

What would be some of the reasons a deleted post becomes undeleted? The reason I ask is because this happened to me yesterday (twice in one post). I deleted a post because I didn't feel it clarified my position (felt I needed to type more). I deleted my post within a minute of posting. Someone responded to it within that time (just a one liner). I didn't provide a reason why I deleted it. Anyway, I checked a little while later (maybe a few minutes) and the post was back. The mod had been doing some cleaning in the thread so I figured that maybe when I thought I deleted the post it hadn't been. So, I hit the delete button again. Today, I noticed my post was back again.

Anyway, I'm not concerned about having the post removed. I'm just curious what causes deleted posts to be brought back. I'm partially assuming a response can cause one to remain. Thanks

**Tahiti** · 05-14-2012, 02:59 PM

If it was quoted so, you already knew/know the answer.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 03:06 PM

*notices Genius changed Avatar again*

Oh right, we're talking about deleted posts.

So, you're saying if a post is quoted by the following respondent it won't be deleted? Because I know of plenty of posts that have been deleted despite having been quoted. I imagine the reason behind a post being deleted takes consideration when deciding if it should be brought back or remain deleted.

IotaNull · 05-14-2012, 03:07 PM

Posts that have been responded to are restored on deletion in order to prevent us having to delete others' posts that would then lack context. Posts that have no responses can be deleted without a problem, and we do sometimes delete conversations if all of the participants agree that they want the discussion deleted.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 03:10 PM

I posted a one liner and received a one liner response that didn't 'respond' to what I said. It was more of a "what's the point of your statement" type response. I had tried deleting it prior to anyone responding. I caught it within a minute for certain.

**Tahiti** · 05-14-2012, 03:13 PM

If it gets quoted then it's being revived. I've had the same thing done, it's no biggy.

IotaNull · 05-14-2012, 03:23 PM

For future reference: If you're not sure you want to post something, don't post it. Once you do, you run the risk of it being stuck there.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 03:29 PM

I often become uncertain about posting something because of hostility, not because I feel what I have to say is unneeded. What really happened is I reread the post of the person I was responding to and realized my point wasn't clear at all. I realized I needed to further clarify but didn't feel any desire to do so at the present time. So I deleted my post.

IotaNull · 05-14-2012, 03:33 PM

In that case, the appropriate course of action would be to go back and edit the post when you do have time. It's also permissible to add an "I'll edit this later for clarity" note to the post, although any quoted portions of it must still be intact.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 03:38 PM

I can't edit it. That feature has been removed. It's been a day and all, can't edit day old posts or whatever. Or so, that is the case with this post.

**Sali** · 05-14-2012, 03:47 PM

Silly forum mods and their obsessive control issues I assume. /shrugs. what can ya do?

**Tahiti** · 05-14-2012, 03:49 PM

	Originally Posted by Sali
	Silly forum mods and their obsessive control issues I assume. /shrugs. what can ya do?

There are logical reasons. This forum might have not have the best rules overall of ALL forums available but it's definitely a candidate for a top 10.

**Sali** · 05-14-2012, 04:01 PM

	Originally Posted by GeniusPr0
	There are logical reasons. This forum might have not have the best rules overall of ALL forums available but it's definitely a candidate for a top 10.

You do realize how many forums there are on the internet, right? There's no way this one is a candidate for top 10. It's far too restrictive for that honor.

IotaNull · 05-14-2012, 04:05 PM

	Originally Posted by followthehippos
	I can't edit it. That feature has been removed. It's been a day and all, can't edit day old posts or whatever. Or so, that is the case with this post.

PM someone with mod privileges in that subforum and they'll probably be willing to edit it for you.

As I've said, the reason we don't let users delete posts that have responses is that, in order to keep conversation coherent as it's read, we would then have to functionally allow those users to delete others' posts by proxy. There's also potential for abuse by users simply deleting posts whenever they're proven wrong in a debate, which I believe has been an issue in the past.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 04:24 PM

I understand. My post wasn't deleted due to being proven wrong in debate and I can see that being an issue. Mine didn't really contribute to the discussion and the response I received was a mockery of what I had to say. I deleted it before there was another post present. I noticed a response to the thread afterward, checked, and saw my post was quoted. I'm not sure if at this juncture my post was present or still deleted. I wouldn't be surprised if the mod put it back because he felt it contributed to the thread.

My point is really this: Why can't I delete my post if I delete it relatively quickly? I can understand if it's been there and many responses have occurred (many responses in a minute if fast). In my situation it was a single response (one-liner at that that didn't challenge my statement but mocked it) that I had thought I had deleted prior to receiving any response.

The main reason I deleted it is because I knew I was going to receive hostility/mockery for my statement without clarifying my position. I knew I wasn't going to do so at that time and just wanted to get it out of the way (within a minute mind you).

I've had posts deleted in the past because of another user deleting his post prior to mine (and I had typed 2 paragraphs) because of whatever reason. Yet, when I do the same with a one liner to one liner situation mine remains. My question, what causes mine to stay? Is it contribution to the thread and feeling of necessity to the conversation? I'm wondering what allows a deleted post to remain deleted (though it contributed two paragraphs to the conversation) versus my one liner, what will cause it to stay?

I'm wondering where the consistent line is. I imagine it's to the mods/administrators digression.

**anticlimatic** · 05-14-2012, 05:28 PM

The mods do not like it when you delete a post for non-obvious reasons. You're going to have to scrape and claw to get your editing rights back, but any mod can do it, not just the one who revoked them.

That they feel you need to be put in "time out," without any actual attempt at correspondence is a bit condescending and insulting, I think. It's an efficiency loop hole in the rules protocol that would otherwise include warnings, documented action, etc-- easier for the mod, but at the cost of the member. I'd encourage mods to open a rapport before doing so to forum members in the future.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 05:33 PM

I can only not edit that one post. I can edit any other post.

Jezebel · 05-14-2012, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by followthehippos

I've had posts deleted in the past because of another user deleting his post prior to mine (and I had typed 2 paragraphs) because of whatever reason. Yet, when I do the same with a one liner to one liner situation mine remains. My question, what causes mine to stay? Is it contribution to the thread and feeling of necessity to the conversation? I'm wondering what allows a deleted post to remain deleted (though it contributed two paragraphs to the conversation) versus my one liner, what will cause it to stay?

I'm wondering where the consistent line is. I imagine it's to the mods/administrators digression.

There are two ways we handle deleted posts that have been quoted: restoring the deleted post or deleting the response. If the post had any substantive on-topic responses it's almost always restored. If the post was deleted by a moderator or otherwise had rule violations, responses are almost always deleted.

If neither your post nor the response were very substantive, then it sounds like a borderline case that could go either way. How to handle borderline cases is left up to the subforum moderator's judgment.

If you had posts deleted that were paragraphs long, and the posts were on-topic and contained no rule violations and the posts you were responding to contained no rule violations then they may have been deleted in error. I can't tell you for sure without seeing the posts you are referencing.

**Sali** · 05-14-2012, 05:38 PM

I am always astounded at how seriously people take arguments and continuity on internet forums anyway. We should be able to change or remove whatever we need to due to privacy issues imo. Who really gives a damn about arguments at the expense of member safety?

Jezebel · 05-14-2012, 05:40 PM

	Originally Posted by anticlimatic
	The mods do not like it when you delete a post for non-obvious reasons. You're going to have to scrape and claw to get your editing rights back, but any mod can do it, not just the one who revoked them.

False. Moderators can only moderate subforums they are assigned to and they don't have access to alter member profile settings. Only admin can do that. Followthehippos' editing rights weren't removed though. Members can't edit their posts after 24 hours have passed.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 05:45 PM

	Originally Posted by Jezebel
	If you had posts that were paragraphs long, and the posts were on-topic and contained no rule violations and the posts you were responding to contained no rule violations then they may have been deleted in error. I couldn't tell you for sure without seeing the posts you are referencing.

It was written, "post was deleted because user deleted his post." He and I had posted a paragraph or two. I think I understand why it was deleted, though. I think it had to do with avoiding personal embarrassment and was allowed. Which is why I'm asking what allows a post to remain deleted.

Jezebel · 05-14-2012, 05:50 PM

	Originally Posted by followthehippos
	It was written, "post was deleted because user deleted his post." He and I had posted a paragraph or two. I think I understand why it was deleted, though. I think it had to do with avoiding personal embarrassment and was allowed. Which is why I'm asking what allows a post to remain deleted.

I would need to see the post to figure out why an exception was made and answer your question about why it was allowed to remain deleted.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 05:51 PM

	Originally Posted by Sali
	I am always astounded at how seriously people take arguments and continuity on internet forums anyway. We should be able to change or remove whatever we need to due to privacy issues imo. Who really gives a damn about arguments at the expense of member safety?

You present a good point. What if someone presents something pertinent to the conversation but realizes they don't want it there. What takes precedence in deciding if the post should remain (pertinence or privacy)? I felt mine shouldn't remain and wanted it removed, mine was brought back. Another person did the same, his was allowed. His probably involved embarrassment. Where is the line?

Jezebel · 05-14-2012, 05:52 PM

	Originally Posted by followthehippos
	Another person did the same, his was allowed. His probably involved embarrassment. Where is the line?

Again, I need specific examples.

**followthehippos** · 05-14-2012, 05:55 PM

http://intjforum.com/showthread.php?...07#post2499272

I misread the reason for deletion. I thought it was stated that my post was deleted because his post was deleted by him. I remain unaware who deleted the post at hand (of the other person).

05-14-2012, 02:52 PM	#1
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	What would be some of the reasons a deleted post becomes undeleted? The reason I ask is because this happened to me yesterday (twice in one post). I deleted a post because I didn't feel it clarified my position (felt I needed to type more). I deleted my post within a minute of posting. Someone responded to it within that time (just a one liner). I didn't provide a reason why I deleted it. Anyway, I checked a little while later (maybe a few minutes) and the post was back. The mod had been doing some cleaning in the thread so I figured that maybe when I thought I deleted the post it hadn't been. So, I hit the delete button again. Today, I noticed my post was back again. Anyway, I'm not concerned about having the post removed. I'm just curious what causes deleted posts to be brought back. I'm partially assuming a response can cause one to remain. Thanks
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05-14-2012, 02:59 PM	#2
Tahiti Veteran Member [65%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,630	If it was quoted so, you already knew/know the answer.
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05-14-2012, 03:06 PM	#3
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	notices Genius changed Avatar again Oh right, we're talking about deleted posts. So, you're saying if a post is quoted by the following respondent it won't be deleted? Because I know of plenty of posts that have been deleted despite having been quoted. I imagine the reason behind a post being deleted takes consideration when deciding if it should be brought back or remain deleted.
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05-14-2012, 03:07 PM	#4
IotaNull Core Member [234%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,377	Posts that have been responded to are restored on deletion in order to prevent us having to delete others' posts that would then lack context. Posts that have no responses can be deleted without a problem, and we do sometimes delete conversations if all of the participants agree that they want the discussion deleted.
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05-14-2012, 03:10 PM	#5
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	I posted a one liner and received a one liner response that didn't 'respond' to what I said. It was more of a "what's the point of your statement" type response. I had tried deleting it prior to anyone responding. I caught it within a minute for certain.
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05-14-2012, 03:13 PM	#6
Tahiti Veteran Member [65%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2,630	If it gets quoted then it's being revived. I've had the same thing done, it's no biggy.
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05-14-2012, 03:23 PM	#7
IotaNull Core Member [234%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,377	For future reference: If you're not sure you want to post something, don't post it. Once you do, you run the risk of it being stuck there.
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05-14-2012, 03:29 PM	#8
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	I often become uncertain about posting something because of hostility, not because I feel what I have to say is unneeded. What really happened is I reread the post of the person I was responding to and realized my point wasn't clear at all. I realized I needed to further clarify but didn't feel any desire to do so at the present time. So I deleted my post.
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05-14-2012, 03:33 PM	#9
IotaNull Core Member [234%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,377	In that case, the appropriate course of action would be to go back and edit the post when you do have time. It's also permissible to add an "I'll edit this later for clarity" note to the post, although any quoted portions of it must still be intact.
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05-14-2012, 03:38 PM	#10
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	I can't edit it. That feature has been removed. It's been a day and all, can't edit day old posts or whatever. Or so, that is the case with this post.
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05-14-2012, 03:47 PM	#11
Sali Member [04%] MBTI: INFJ Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 182	Silly forum mods and their obsessive control issues I assume. /shrugs. what can ya do?
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05-14-2012, 04:24 PM	#15
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	I understand. My post wasn't deleted due to being proven wrong in debate and I can see that being an issue. Mine didn't really contribute to the discussion and the response I received was a mockery of what I had to say. I deleted it before there was another post present. I noticed a response to the thread afterward, checked, and saw my post was quoted. I'm not sure if at this juncture my post was present or still deleted. I wouldn't be surprised if the mod put it back because he felt it contributed to the thread. My point is really this: Why can't I delete my post if I delete it relatively quickly? I can understand if it's been there and many responses have occurred (many responses in a minute if fast). In my situation it was a single response (one-liner at that that didn't challenge my statement but mocked it) that I had thought I had deleted prior to receiving any response. The main reason I deleted it is because I knew I was going to receive hostility/mockery for my statement without clarifying my position. I knew I wasn't going to do so at that time and just wanted to get it out of the way (within a minute mind you). I've had posts deleted in the past because of another user deleting his post prior to mine (and I had typed 2 paragraphs) because of whatever reason. Yet, when I do the same with a one liner to one liner situation mine remains. My question, what causes mine to stay? Is it contribution to the thread and feeling of necessity to the conversation? I'm wondering what allows a deleted post to remain deleted (though it contributed two paragraphs to the conversation) versus my one liner, what will cause it to stay? I'm wondering where the consistent line is. I imagine it's to the mods/administrators digression.
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05-14-2012, 05:28 PM	#16
anticlimatic Veteran Member [56%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,269	The mods do not like it when you delete a post for non-obvious reasons. You're going to have to scrape and claw to get your editing rights back, but any mod can do it, not just the one who revoked them. That they feel you need to be put in "time out," without any actual attempt at correspondence is a bit condescending and insulting, I think. It's an efficiency loop hole in the rules protocol that would otherwise include warnings, documented action, etc-- easier for the mod, but at the cost of the member. I'd encourage mods to open a rapport before doing so to forum members in the future.
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05-14-2012, 05:33 PM	#17
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	I can only not edit that one post. I can edit any other post.
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05-14-2012, 05:38 PM	#19
Sali Member [04%] MBTI: INFJ Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 182	I am always astounded at how seriously people take arguments and continuity on internet forums anyway. We should be able to change or remove whatever we need to due to privacy issues imo. Who really gives a damn about arguments at the expense of member safety?
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05-14-2012, 05:55 PM	#25
followthehippos Member [32%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,287	http://intjforum.com/showthread.php?...07#post2499272 I misread the reason for deletion. I thought it was stated that my post was deleted because his post was deleted by him. I remain unaware who deleted the post at hand (of the other person).
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