I have been a regular on many forums and on imore for years. I continually see someone ask a question and then three replies of the same answer. I also see people answering the question 5 or 6 pages into the thread because they didn't know the answer was given 3 pages back. How about setting up a feature where when the thread is being created the creator can mark it as a question. Then either the OP or a mod has the option of marking the thread answered once an answer has been given. The thread remains open for other comments and discussions that will branch off but in the main view of the forum an "Answered" shows somewhere with the name. It helps people wondering the same thing know that there was an answer given. It helps other people reading through to know that the main question has been answered so they don't repeat it 20 pages later. Also if a thread dies after 3 or 4 replies it helps someone searching to know that the question was answered.
I know that it also means people may not bother to read a thread because it looks like it's already been answered and perhaps that is a negative factor of the idea.
I know that it also means people may not bother to read a thread because it looks like it's already been answered and perhaps that is a negative factor of the idea.