Duplicated topics

[beebee216]

I'm curious as to what is considered a duplicated topic. Many people share similar opinions on various topics, but that doesn't mean their post is the same as someone else. Often times they contain entirely different thoughts or feelings. Making the only similarity either the title of the post or one small thought within it. Before I post something I make sure to check other boards so I don't duplicate, and yet I still manage to be told I've done so. In cases where a similar topic exists but was posted months or even years ago, is it really necessary to post a reply there instead? Maybe I'm just ranting over nothing, but this is the third time I've been accused of duplication. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or felt this way, then again if many of you have, your post is probably locked lol.

[gali]

The date of the post doesn't matter. If there is a similar topic, one should post over there instead of opening a new thread. Please read the Topic Creation Guidelines

[Fran]

I'm curious as to what is considered a duplicated topic. Many people share similar opinions on various topics, but that doesn't mean their post is the same as someone else. Often times they contain entirely different thoughts or feelings. Making the only similarity either the title of the post or one small thought within it. Before I post something I make sure to check other boards so I don't duplicate, and yet I still manage to be told I've done so. In cases where a similar topic exists but was posted months or even years ago, is it really necessary to post a reply there instead? Maybe I'm just ranting over nothing, but this is the third time I've been accused of duplication. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or felt this way, then again if many of you have, your post is probably locked lol.

I think you may be confusing a topic and a post.
For example, I happen to think Anna Karenina is the best book ever written, you might feel the same or the direct opposite. Both views are valid and both should be expressed in posts on the topic of Anna Karenina. It would make no sense at all for both you and I to set up individual topics expressing our opinion of AK whether that opinion is the same or diametrically opposed.
The purpose is to generate & encourage discussion and that is the only reason we are strict on topic duplication.