I guess you misunderstood the initial meaning of the OP, and the subsequent joking around that followed, intermingled with serious, logical answers. To answer your question, you can't kill a thread. It never stops, unless the site goes down permanently...it's always there to be read and replied to by members at any time they choose. The only way a thread can be removed from the board is if the OP writes a request through PM (private message) to that forum's moderator. But, you should have a very strong reason before doing so, as any useful discussion in that thread will be lost forever once a thread is removed. OK, so, I just caught myself in a lie...having a thread removed...now, that's how you kill a thread...LOL!!!
Hey guys, I got some good laughs from this one...nice to see some good humor still floating around!!!
To the new guys and gals: it's like moving into a new neighborhood when you join a forum. Think of it as a community, or as I prefer, a distant family (once you get to know a bunch of folks here). But, like with any relationship, there's a level of communication that has to begin at some point in time, just like talking with your new neighbors. Then, as time passes, trust and friendships will develop. Hang around, enjoy the reading and learning, and put in some dialog when/where you wish. Commenting on another member's accomplishments when they post what they cooked is a great way to start a line of communication with them, simply by letting them know you appreciate them for sharing their experiences with the rest of us here. Even for the new members to post a cook and receive some recognition for it, well, you can't put a price on any of what happens here.
For those experienced with certain things, don't hesitate to offer your own insight when others are in need of guidance. Maybe they want to try something a little different than what they're accustomed to doing, or they weren't happy with results of their method, and you have an idea that will push them further along in their quest. Chances are good that it will bring out some healthy discussions on the subject, and, as a result, every reader of that discussion can begin to see the vast diversity of methods which others could, or do, incorporate into their preparation and cooking of a meal. No reply should be thought of as useless or of no value...the only bad reply is 1) the one you don't make, or, 2) one that shouldn't be posted due to negative attitude. Everyone has a voice...it's up to you to decide if you want to be heard. Just be polite, is all any of us would ask. For anyone who lurks as a guest, or has joined the group but doesn't post, don't be shy...I used to be that way years ago, it's just not as fun, not to mention, it's impossible to befriend anyone. I invite everyone to join in on the conversations.
I haven't been posting much on here for the past couple of years...kinda burned myself out because I was always trying something new (to me) , and a few things which were new to everyone here at that time. I posted my recipes and methods very often, as well as helping others along the way...lots of fun, but it wore on me, eventually. I've slowed-down a lot since then. For those who followed me, you know, I was in a hot-seat of activity for a long time, and I enjoyed sharing every minute of it with you. The good thing is that it's all still here for others to dig-up and enjoy (because nobody killed the threads and articles)...LOL!!! Point is, sometimes our interests or priorities in life will change, and that's understandable...been there. I like it here, but don't always have time to be here, lately. So, if you want to drop me a PM for a chat, please do...I'll try to check in more often than I have been, and time should allow me to indulge myself more than it has recently. Speaking of PMs, it's a good way for those who are the shy type to get started communicating one-on-one, if you're not comfortable with the open threads on a forum. If you're not sure who you'd like to do this with, just search the forums for posts on topics you're interested in...read the posts and you'll figure out who is the right person for you to talk with. Maybe some folks aren't real outgoing personalities, but I'm sure most wouldn't mind having another buddy to chat with and exchange info, tips, methods, etc. I've had some folks PM me with personal issues (totally out of the scope of this forum), and I do what I can to help with advice. Maybe they just need to vent a little...that's what real, deep trust is all about. Yeah, you can get that close of a relationship with others, from right here on this forum, with never hearing their voice or even seeing their face. That's just one of the reasons why I call the members of SMF a "family".
Just some food for thought...may your freezers be full and your smokers be warm and happy!!!
Eric
