Allowing you to change the "solution"

[Charanth182]

Edit: @Mansi_G pointed out that this idea already is possible.

"The original poster of the topic can change the solution at anytime by going to Options and mark a already Accpeted Solution as "Not a solution" and then mark another post as an Accepted Solution."

This is related to the forum. I really think there should be a way to change the accepted solutions.

Having it locked in place on makes sense for things that are concrete and easy to know you've got a solution to. (Eg. My phone no longer works and now it does) BUT in many cases the solution isn't so concrete and new information might come up. Maybe someone's first response seemed logical and it gets accepted but someone else actually knows more and has a better solution.

As the forum seems to be intended as an archive to help people when they run into trouble it would be good to have the ability to correct.

[makkahn28]

That's a Excellent POINT

[Luddite]

I too think this would be usefull; or at least a way to link the related posts together.

[Jeremy_M]

@Charanth182

Thanks for the idea. However, when someone clicks on the "accepted solution" they are saying that the issue they had was resolved.

Why would they change their mind if the issue was resolved?

Let's discuss

[Charanth182]

@Luddite I think linking related posts together might be a separate idea. You should suggest it. At the moment we can hyperlink but if you mean combining them that would save clutter.

@Jeremy_M

Ok examples.

#1 -Not all resolutions means fixed

There was some mis-information going around that MMS required Data in order to work. I as the poster accept that this is the answer. In the next little while people like @chukdefatey, @Martin, or @Cyber come online and correct that this isn't the case flip phones are notoriously hard to set up the APN for but once you do it is possible. If i've already accepted the solution because it seemed like the right answer i can't change it. And anyone who looks at that later likely will not read the whole thing.

#2 - Not all resolutions are the best solution.

My phone is not working and someone suggest a factory reset. Doing so corrects whatever erroneous settings I had in my phone that was causing me to not have it work. However i've now lost all my saved information, contacts, pictures, etc. Technically the problem has be solved however, the better solution that someone reading the post could have stated and may state later is that they seen it before and i could have simply changed the setting directly i wouldn't have lost everything.

#3 - Resolutions may only be Partial solutions

Its easiest for me to pick on MMS as its what i've been dealing with lately, other problems like being based on location might apply here too. Someone is unable to send MMS messages, they also are unable to receive them. They get an answer and test it with their friend and it allows them to send a message. Problem appears solved and they click the solution. Later they discover its only half the solution and they can't receive any. (My phone right now is this way). The solution isn't actually solved like they thought it was.

#4 - Solutions aren't always what we think they are.

Really simple example, this scenario is unlikely but with complicated systems like phones this can and will happen. My phone isn't working, i have no idea why. In the process of trying to fix it i go upstairs to my computer and get some advice from the forum. I follow whatever advice i receive, say its something simple like restarting my phone. After my phone works. Unknown to me (and perhaps later i figure it out) its actually that i was in the basement and i don't get signal there.

I know that one was simple but it could be that in changing some settings i disable a problematic app. Or in installing an update it reverts back to a previous setting. Complex devices have interrelationships we are not always aware of.

#5 - Mis-clicks happen

This is a small one but more than once on a website i have mis-clicked due to my touch pad interpreting my finger being placed on it as a click. Other reasons include cats, children, touch screens being too sensitive, or people that don't know why the button exists.

I hope these examples help. Just because something has resolved doesn't mean from an archival stand point its the best thing to be presenting to someone else who is searching our forum for help.

[makkahn28]

That is 110% DEFINITELY TRUE

[Jeremy_M]

@Charanth182

Thank you for the detailed examples, much appreciated! So Community, what do you think? Yea or Nay? If you like this idea click on the Bravo button!

[Mansi_G]

Hi @Charanth182 - The original poster of the topic can change the solution at anytime by going to Options and mark a already Accpeted Solution as "Not a solution" and then mark another post as an Accepted Solution.

[Charanth182]

<after following your instructions on one of my own questions>

Yup @Mansi_G you are absolutely correct! I didn't see that option as i seached for it. I guess this idea isn't an idea after all its already possible!

[Mansi_G]

I guess not. But it is a existing capability that you can use or tell the original poster to use where applicable. 

[Martin]

Hello, On a somewhat related topic, can a PM community team member author a post about the significance of tags, and how to select the most appropriate ones?