Bumping OLD threads -- my NEW hobby?

Bumping interesting old threads is a perfectly worthwhile past-time.

I think bumping topics is great when you have something of substance to add to the thread, but just bumping for the sake of bumping is not so worthwhile.  I'd also add that whether the topic is really interesting or not, if the bumper has something interesting to say, then it can become an interesting thread.  I pretty much hold the opinion that just about every topic (even the seemingly lamest ones) have the potential to turn into interesting or entertaining threads.

As for polls, I think there are too many where clearly the poll-starter has put no effort into it -- it's like the idea pops into someone's head and they post it five seconds later.  I've been guilty of some that hadn't been thought out enough.  Also, I would rather not see mnay repeat polls (if people search for all dates and find a similar poll, then respond to that one and have it unlocked if necessary).  For me, starting polls is mostly a way to expose others to music I am passionate about and hopefully get appropriate recommendations along the way. I could do such things without polls, and I don't care about the results, but the poll is an accoutrement.  Of course it's also about "discussing" music I like, or in some cases don't like, with others.  But sometimes I have different agendas.

As for two poll choices, I rather liked these ones I did:
Poll: Free Will (

Poll: MAGMA's Vander or DEATH's Shuldiner?

And I like it when people comes up with more interesting or different questions from the usual in their polls.  Why are so many really just asking for favourites when there's a multitude of questions that could be asked?

Poorly executed polls and topics, however, can lead to really interesting or creative comments.  A little peeve of mine in the past has involved people starting a  topic, say asking for recommendations or whatever, and then just leaving it (not even taking the time to acknowledge those who put time and effort into the thread, let alone engaging them in discussion. If one can't even bothered to show interest in what people say, then, generally, don't bother starting the topic to begin with.

Like Rob, I've discovered a fair amount of music thanks to polls over the years I've been here (though most music I discover is not through PA -- it's down to google research, and often with the help of youtube these days).

Carpet bombing with topics or polls is just bad etiquette though, as is bumping a bunch over other discussion.  And I'd say only taking an interest in one's own topics is also ill-mannered (I've come across individuals who only seem to take an interest in themselves and their own topics -- only including those polls of mine in this post is quite narcissistic ;)).  Moderation in all things.


Edited by Logan - December 19 2009 at 14:00