I've been a member of chess.com for around eight months now, and only one problem has persisted during that time. I frequently visit the forums on this site, and the most severe annoyance to me is seeing forum topics that have been posted several times before posted anew by another member. (i.e. knight vs. bishop, is chess a game or a sport, problems with live chess, tactics vs. strategy, etc.)

Back in the day when I played video games like Delta Force and America's Army, I belonged to several clans who sponsored their own website. One notable aspect of these websites was that before posting a new topic, members had to read all the 'Sticky' topics and the rules for posting. However, a more effective method was developed, namely, after a member entered a title for their forum topic, (i.e. "Disconnection Problems") a listing of similar topics appeared in a search box on the post page, and a message appeared asking if any of these topics satisfyed the user's question.

I realize that there are ways around a backstop like this, such as using nonsense subject lines, or simply ignoring the message, but could this be an effective implementation on chess.com? I'm open to thoughts and opinions (and I sincerely hope no one has posted this topic before, because then I would look like an idiot)

'tis a good idea indeed! i'll add this to my list of future forum improvements.

 Just how long is that list? XD

Erik posted on one of my posts! I feel special! (All 3 that I have)

I'd say both, but that would just be sucking up.

good idea as long as the topic gets put into public view.  i start topics to get into active "conversations" with other members, even though the topics have been reviewed before, i want to actively participate in a discussion not passively read what others have already said.  if space is a problem then erase forums that nobody has touched in a set amount of time (say 3 months).  if space isnt a problem then let people start forums and if you dont want to participate in the discussion, then you have the ability to just skip over it and go on to something else...

Erasing forum posts could be bad, some of them are great sources of information. Others are completely useless, while others offer laughs. It's just that if I have to see 'Are knights or bishops better' one more time I might pull my hair out.