Mod:Delete a thread
Definition: An deleted thread is one that becomes removed from public view. The original poster (OP) of a thread may delete their original post, and this will effectively delete the entire thread. Senior staff and the appropriate forum moderators have the power to delete anyone's thread in a given forum. All of these deleted threads are 'soft deleted' in that the senior staff or appropriate forum mods can 'undelete' them later if needed (members do not have this power). It is, however, considered poor form to undelete something that the OP wanted removed, and you should check with them first before doing so. 'Hard Deletes' can only be done by the administrators, and are typically only done during a time of pruning old threads from a forum (all deleted threads are then 'hard deleted' along with outdated threads).
There are two ways in which you can delete a thread. The first is within the thread itself, the second is via the forum display screen.
Method 1:
- Click on "Thread Tools"
- Select the "Delete Thread" radio button
- Click "Perform Action"
- The system will then prompt you to give a reason for your decision. Unlike thread closure, the prompt is not a pop-up box, but a separate screen. You are also given the option to manage any attachments that may have been posted in the thread.
- Hard deletion is not available to moderators.
- If you choose to give a reason, type it into the provided space and click "Delete Thread". It will then be displayed (along with your name) on the forum display.
Method 2:
- On the forum display page, select the thread you wish to delete by clicking the tickbox on the far right-hand side.
- Now click the "Moderation" menu at the bottom of the screen (you may have to scroll down the page in order to find it).
- Click on "Delete Threads".
- The "Go" button should now display the number of threads that have been selected. Click "Go" and the thread will be deleted. You will also be given the option to provide a reason for this decision, just as you are in Method 1.
