I feel like it might disrupt the flow of the thread if the original message is changed after someone's responded to it. For example, if you are arguing that the grass is colored purple, and someone responds to it, if you go back and edit your post to change purple to green, it makes the argument seem incoherent.

If we wanted to implement something like this officially, I think it would be cool to have some sort of "retract this message" button. When you clicked on it, it would perhaps give some sort of default text that is the same for everybody. I might even think it'd be good to maintain the original message in hide tags or something so that it's still visible to someone that wants to follow the original discussion.

_________________
be immersed

This is why quoting is important.
This way there is always a record to what exactly you responded to, regardless of any editing.

_________________
- Bantari
______________________________________________
WARNING: This post might contain Opinions!!

I think that's a strawman, Kirby. The point is not to erase points you made*, but to avoid having personal attacks persist on the boards.

* It proves nothing, but I'll still note that I'm so persnickety that
1) I write a description of what I am editing almost every time I edit a post of mine on these boards
2) One of the several things stalling me from creating a new personal website is that I can't decide on a proper way to handle URL schemes, permalinks and old versions of content.

_________________
Occupy Babel!

I think by "strawman" you are referring to a strawman argument, but for that to be the case, I think I have to be arguing with you - and that's not my intention. Yes, I understand that the ability to edit posts could take away from personal attacks on boards (which shouldn't be there in the first place).

I am trying to note that this functionality, if made generally available, could lead to discontinuity of thought in threads.

My proposal contains two aspects that I prefer to the option of simply allowing free edits:
1.) A generic text blurb removes the personal attack, while still disallowing a user to add confusion to the middle of a thread.
2.) Allowing for the original text to remain still lets readers understand the original flow in content.

Regarding personal attacks, we have admins that could remove a post if it was too extreme.

Anyway, I'm still not trying to argue with you. This is just a possible feature I thought of.

_________________
be immersed

Agreed. Though, the system does not currently enforce it.

_________________
be immersed

I think currently the system shows if you made any edits after there has been replies.

Yes, and it shows the edit count as my post in this thread now shows.

Are we here to enforce rules for fisticuffs, or are we here to make browsing and participating in this forum pleasant and inoffensive?

A not especially pleasant post

_________________
Revisiting Go - Study Journal
My Programming Blog - About the evolution of my go bot.

Are these two mutually exclusive?

A software system should be designed such that users have the intendd experience. Flexibility is nice, but only to the point to which it facilitates an enjoyable experience. That's why, while quoting text is an option for showing continuity in a thread, absence of enforcement doesnot guarantee this user experience.

_________________
be immersed