How can homework threads be marked as solved?

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The new feature to mark homework threads as "[SOLVED]" has been implemented, allowing thread starters, staff, and homework helpers to indicate when a question has been resolved. While this feature is appreciated, concerns have been raised about locking threads, as it may prevent further questions or insights from being shared. Users have reported inconsistencies in accessing this feature across different forum skins, particularly in the Nexus skin. There is a suggestion to improve user guidance for posting homework questions to reduce misplacement in non-homework areas. Overall, while the feature is seen as beneficial, its execution and implications for thread discussion remain topics of debate.
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[SOLVED] Marking homework threads as [SOLVED]

The option to mark homework threads as solved has arrived. Thread starters, staff and homework helpers have the options under "thread tools". It will prefix the thread with "[SOLVED]" and close the thread.
 
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That is an awesome feature!

Could we use something like that for reported posts in the Mentor's Forum?
 
Math Is Hard said:
That is an awesome feature!

Could we use something like that for reported posts in the Mentor's Forum?

It works in reported posts forum too :)
 
This is a cool feature and a great idea!
 
Excellent!
 
Is closing the thread a good idea though? What if someone else wants to ask further questions later on?

Edit: I thought I might add that I'm really liking this new "show first post" feature. Nifty! :cool:
 
Last edited:
morphism said:
Is closing the thread a good idea though? What if someone else wants to ask further questions later on?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing... if they had a doubt regarding the same topic... or if they hadn't actually solved the problem as they had first thought.
 
I'm not seeing this option under Thread Tools.
 
I see it in Thread Tools in the Prime Skin but not in Nexus.
 
  • #10
morphism said:
Is closing the thread a good idea though? What if someone else wants to ask further questions later on?

Well, if that really is someone else, then I think he should open another thread. It would be much much better than to post his/her problem in someone else thread.

Btw, in case the OP returns to find out something's missing, or unclear, it would be nicer if there's an option to remove [SOLVE] tag. ^.^

And I'd love it to be embedded into Nexus skin, also. :!) :!) :!) :!)

Thanks for the improvement, Greg. :)
 
  • #11
Greg, this is exciting...but so far, at least 3 homework helpers do not see this option under thread tools, and I don't know anyone that does. I tried Prime and Nexus.

And I too am liking the OP previewer option.
 
  • #12
I don't see it under thread tools either. I see three options under thread tools, just like the other forums.

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I tried logging out and in again, and that didn't change it.

Can Moderators see the [Solved] option? If so, then it's a permissions issue.
 
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  • #15
While Greg looks into that issue, I can answer that yes, if someone changes their mind later, in a thread labeled as solved, the menu option changes to "mark thread as unsolved." So, for example, if a HW helper thinks a problem is fully solved and done, and the student asking the question still isn't quite satisfied, they can reopen it.
 
  • #16
Since the author of the thread has access to this option I imagine a sticky in the homework help forums explaining this might ease the amount of question about 'why's my thread been locked?', to those who don't use other areas of the site.
 
  • #17
Since the action then locks the thread, I suspect it is a user/usergroup permissions matter, since Admin and Mods can lock threads, but other users cannot.
 
  • #18
Moonbear said:
While Greg looks into that issue, I can answer that yes, if someone changes their mind later, in a thread labeled as solved, the menu option changes to "mark thread as unsolved." So, for example, if a HW helper thinks a problem is fully solved and done, and the student asking the question still isn't quite satisfied, they can reopen it.
To me it seems not quite in sync with the site's spirit. Sometimes someone can give a hint towards another solution method, or provide a comment or insight no one else posted. IMHO, it's an unnecessary obstacle to have threads locked.
 
  • #19
Why lock?

I may get used to it, but at the moment I don't see the point of locking the thread. Sometimes someone thinks they have the answer, but it turns out that they were wrong. Or as morphism suggests, an additional insight, comment, or approach might prove quite helpful.

The main purpose of the "mark as solved" feature is just to make it easier for homework helpers to direct their efforts to questions that still need attention, not to close off further discussion.

Of course, once the OP marks the question as "Solved", they might never think to look at those additional comments. But the OP is not the only one reading the thread.
 
  • #20
I like the [Solved] indicator, but I would agree that it is not necessary to lock it because there might be some further commentary, some related question to be answered.
 
  • #21
Well, locking is not very necessary. I would recommend a color change. I.e, if the thread is still open for answer, it'll be displayed in some color (e.g, green), and when the problem is solved, it'll change color (like, gray, or something like that).

This can be pretty convenient for HW Helpers to search for unanswered posts by just looking it its color, or for others to search for some answered problems.

It would be nice if HW Helpers can also flag which thread should receive more attentions from other HW helpers, or mods.

And, also, if possible, there should be a minimum-post-restriction for a specific user to post in a [SOLVED] thread, since some new users may awake a 1 year old thread, which has already been solved. I've seen it once, or twice.
 
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  • #22
I can't see this new feature in the Thread Tools menu. I use Prime.

The following may require more work... but... it might be nice if the post(s) which "solved" it [according to the OP or staff] were somehow flagged as such... maybe with a background color change for those posts. It could be like a feedback system... which could be useful to identify future Homework Helpers.I don't think locking is necessary.
 
  • #23
There are some tricky things going on with the usergroups, looking into a work around.
 
  • #25
Greg Bernhardt said:
Solved threads are not longer locked
Thank you, sir!
 
  • #26
Greg Bernhardt said:
Solved threads are not longer locked
I'm still not seeing the "mark as solved" option. Just letting you know.
 
  • #27
I'm seeing it, I marked the last 2 questions I posted as solved.
 
  • #28
So it's only the homework helpers that can not access this feature yet! :(
 
  • #29
Gokul43201 said:
So it's only the homework helpers that can not access this feature yet! :(
D'oh!
 
  • #30
Gokul43201 said:
So it's only the homework helpers that can not access this feature yet! :(

:smile: Oh, the irony! :biggrin:
 
  • #31
This seems like it'll be a great feature once the kinks are straightened out. Incidentally, has anyone noticed that a few of the posts in the the sci.physics.research forum have suddenly appeared with the [solved] tag in the title, and the thread has been locked? I guess this is a slight problem with the feature!
 
  • #32
cristo said:
Incidentally, has anyone noticed that a few of the posts in the the sci.physics.research forum have suddenly appeared with the [solved] tag in the title, and the thread has been locked? I guess this is a slight problem with the feature!
This is wierd. I've fixed a few of them, but clearly there's a bug somewhere.

Perhaps there's a way to restrict the use of this feature to the homework help forums (and Reported Posts, for us mentors).
 
  • #33
Doc Al said:
This is wierd. I've fixed a few of them, but clearly there's a bug somewhere.

Perhaps there's a way to restrict the use of this feature to the homework help forums (and Reported Posts, for us mentors).

And Greg seemed so pleased when he announced it. Its turning into a bit of a long job.
 
  • #34
ok HH should be able to mark threads as solved now. Please test and let me know.
 
  • #36
Working here too. Cheers Greg.
 
  • #37
It seems like a lot of threads (for homework) still get posted in the 'non'- 'homework help' areas---maybe those "sticky's" "titles" in each division that tell people NOT to post them in those areas could be in BOLD as to make them stand out more--(for those whose impatience for an answer need a 'brighter signpost').
 
  • #38
rewebster said:
It seems like a lot of threads (for homework) still get posted in the 'non'- 'homework help' areas---maybe those "sticky's" "titles" in each division that tell people NOT to post them in those areas could be in BOLD as to make them stand out more--(for those whose impatience for an answer need a 'brighter signpost').

I don't think that would make any difference, since there is always a significant proportion of new users that don't bother reading the rules or looking at stickies before they post.
 
  • #39
but that could still help some---there could be other things to help-


--maybe having a 'small note' about homework and where the questions should go above the 'typing area' for all those with fewer than 'ten' posts?-----include it in the 'email confirmation' as a aside reminder?
 
  • #40
rewebster said:
but that could still help some---there could be other things to help-


--maybe having a 'small note' about homework and where the questions should go above the 'typing area' for all those with fewer than 'ten' posts?-----include it in the 'email confirmation' as a aside reminder?

Yeah I was thinking something like that. I don't know if it would be possible to set it up so those who are posting for the first time get an extra warning messsage. Would certainly save the mods some time moving threads.
 
  • #41
My option to mark threads solved seems to have disappeared...
 
  • #42
NeoDevin said:
My option to mark threads solved seems to have disappeared...
where you are the OP?
 
  • #44
That's the thread alright
The option to mark it solved is supposed to be under 'Thread Tools' right?
 
  • #45
Yes it is. The Mentors and HH's see it apparently.

I thought it was fixed all around.
 
  • #46
I thought it was fixed too, I used to have it, but it seems when it was fixed for everyone else, it broke for the thread starter...
 
  • #47
It only appears in the prime skin as far as I can tell. If you're using nexus it might not appear. Perhaps that is the problem?
 
  • #48
Nope, I only ever use prime
 
  • #49
I just realized that the 'solved' tool is available to threads outside the homework forums too! Now I've got a nearly unstoppable urge to mark all kinds of threads as 'solved', particularly in S&D.
 
  • #50
Gokul43201 said:
I just realized that the 'solved' tool is available to threads outside the homework forums too! Now I've got a nearly unstoppable urge to mark all kinds of threads as 'solved', particularly in S&D.

:smile:

I hadn't noticed. As long as it doesn't lock the threads, like it did originally, at least it's harmless, although potentially annoying, should someone decide to do that.
 

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