Quick disconnect connector

[JimT]

In other forums (specifically tech related) the person who starts a thread will reserve the first post (and sometimes the second and third) for aggregated/updated information.

So, what happens is you have a thread and the owner will constantly update the first post with the important information gleaned from later posts. The same goes for posts 2 or 3. Sometimes a different person will grab one of those and perform that same function. A lot of times the information isn't duplicated in the first post, but rather linked to from there.

It works good, so long as someone, be it the OP or a secondary poster, is willing to spend the time updating the thread. This helps keep relevant info easily accessible from the first page of a thread without moderators needed to keep discussion limited or on topic. I've seen threads grow to over 500 pages and still be active and useful using this manor of organisation.