Regulate Forum Posts

[NinaHerrmann]

limit the number of posts per time period for each user, e.g. 3 per day or 10 per week, which to me is essential for a well-regulated forum. (split from #91 )

Assumptions (@pejhab please comment if not correct):

1. only opening discussions is limited - answers are unlimited

Implement:

• setting regulating the number of post (numerically)
• optional - time span for the regulation (days, weeks) (otherwise each user can only create x discussions)
• use created in post table to count post created (in a specific timespan).
• add logic to discussion.php
• add meaningful messages if users try to create more discussions (also regarding information about next time the users is able to create a discussion)

[pejhab]

Well, actually I would love to have both as separate options, e.g. maximum 1 discussion and 3 replies per day.

If that is hard to implement, then I would prefer the limit to apply to the total number of discussions and replies.

The idea here is to keep student contributions, be it starting discussions or replying, within manageable limits.

[NinaHerrmann]

Something in my head does not really like the thought of limiting answers. I mean If there are questions should students be able to answer unlimited (until the question is solved)?

[pejhab]

I respect and appreciate the work you are doing Nina but I have two objections to your line of thought, a general one and a specific one.

1. It doesn't matter what feels right or wrong in "our" heads (i.e. the developers). Just give "them" (i.e. the user/educator) the option. The whole premise of us being able to decide what feels right or wrong, what could be useful or not, what would be desirable or not, what would work or not, is fundamentally flawed. Just make the tool as robust as possible with as many options as practically possible. Enable your users to come up with their own uses of the tool.

2. You are assuming that overflow will only be used as a question and answer forum with the sole or main purpose of finding the (best) answer. I use overflow much more extensively, for general discussions, developing ideas, building up a collective body of knowledge and more. In most these scenarios there is no "answer". What matters to me is the quantity and quality of student contributions. Having control over the length and number of posts enables me to nudge my students in that direction.