General Question to ATS Staff

Hello there,
Once in a while I click on a Thread that lists "New Topic" at the top center of the page.
The "flag" and "star' boxes are not as per usual accessible. For instance, I created a thread that offered
the possibility of room and board for a Japanese family or two in need during this crisis. My family has rented
a home to a Japanese family in the past, and it was a positive experience. The thread was closed due to
(I assume) an already existing thread. A link was provided, and I was directed to the pre existing thread of
the same topic. Once at this thread however , I could not find a reply.flag,or star button, only a "New Thread" button.
Well, I had just had my thread closed, and had been directed to an already existing thread, so why should I
redundantly create a new thread on the same topic?

All I can think of is that this might have been in the "Alternative Breaking News" category.
Is one not given the option to Flag,star, or reply in this category?
If so, might I ask why.
Thank You Kindly......Wildmanimal

I take it this is your thread, and you were directed to this thread. If you go to the last page of the thread, you'll notice that that thread was also closed. In other words you don't have the option to post a reply... Only the "new thread" button is available.

You may find it strange to be redirected to a closed thread. This is so you can see that the topic has been discussed, you can see that has been said and you can also see the result of the discussion.

reply to post by Gemwolf


I guess then that the mod that closed his/her thread could have been polite enough to send a short u2u explaining the situation..
Seems a bit rough just to close it and direct them to another closed thread without some form of communicating the reason..
Just IMHO..

reply to post by backinblack


The closing post explains that there is an existing thread on the topic. Not much left to be said.

reply to post by Gemwolf


Thanks for your reply. I will accept the situation in this case as an anomaly, or error on my behalf. I did not
take the time to read the thread to the last page and last post, so ,,,,my bad. But Still?

ATS has so many wonderful nuances.

Third Line.

reply to post by backinblack


Well I would have to agree with you there. For I would not have been compelled to ask(bother) another moderator
about it.

I guess the Mods are understaffed and really busy these days. No harm done in either direction.

Thanks ,,,Wildmanimal P.S. Now I know,,,yes,,,live and learn. Thanks Again.