Problem Thread - [Unsolved / Solved] State

This idea comes up every few months in one form or another. Last time there was a discussion that didn't link back to a previous thread was, I believe, here.

Some choice remarks from that thread:

Quote:

Original post by Michalson The whole notion of OP's marking threads as "Solved" or "Answered" hinges on the false assumption that the forums exist as personal service, with individual threads existing for a person to demand their question answered or problem solved, and a collection of slaves coming to their beck and call. Threads are meant to serve more then just the original poster; they are supposed to serve to whole community. Just because the OP’s question has been answered doesn’t mean the thread should ended (and marking threads as “solved” is really one step short of closing them). Other people may have an interest and be looking to expand on the topic.

Quote:

Original post by Fruny .... Furthermore, the original poster is not always qualified to even know whether his question has been accurately answered. It is still way too often that newbies mislead other newbies with authoritative-sounding, yet incomplete or incorrect answers - just take, for examples threads of the "what's a good XYZ book", with every beginner quickly posting his favourite book - often the only book he has read on the topic.

I think this would benefit the entire community, the thread do not have to be closed after it is solved. The search feature should be fixed for this to be useful. Even for older threads to be useful today.

Wheter or not the user properly sets the state of a thread can be moderated. In most cases I think specific problems with specific solutions will be well qualified. If the thing didn't compile and it does now, it was solved.

I don't think this modification would be much of a problem. And I certainly think it is more helpful (for the community) than annoying.