Are newbies going the wrong way by relying on old information?

[Queen Amara Belle]

Many of us search the internet first when we want to know about something. Especially when we need to know something about Bitcoin, we also read old forum posts. But one thing we often don't pay attention to is whether the information that was correct a few years ago is still valid. Suppose, a new member comes to the Naija board and reads a post from three years ago. There, a service is called reliable and the rules for using it are also explained. But in the meantime, the rules of the service may have changed, or it may have been closed. If a new member follows that information without looking at the date of the post, he may get into trouble.

Here I am not saying that old posts are unnecessary. Many old discussions contain information that is still useful to us. We need to be a little more careful when it comes to things that change over time. Of course, it is not possible for anyone to find and correct every post from a few years ago. Therefore, those who are looking for information should also have the habit of checking the date of the post, the source of the information, and the current status.

Now my question to you, is it the responsibility of the original author to correct the information in an old post if it has changed, or should those who read the information later verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

I am new to this forum and have opened this topic out of interest to learn more about the subject. If there are any mistakes or inconsistencies in my discussion, I would be grateful if experienced members could correct them. And if I have unintentionally written something outside the forum rules, I will try to correct it if you let me know. If necessary, the moderator can take appropriate action regarding the topic. I welcome everyone's opinions and suggestions.

[ZeroVinsonN]

Unless you are visiting a pinned thread I don't see how you are planning on stumbling across a post from three years ago, if the thread was somehow still active then maybe you would think to read through some of it's most recent posts or even some or the post under the OP because if someone posted a wrong information here then still within the first page you are very likely to see someone else debunking so if you were actually looking to learn then you wouldn't just read the OP and leave the thread.
Again, if it's not a pinned thread then most of the threads here are recent (unless you visit a mega thread) so the chances of you even opening a thread from 3 years ago is very low unless you were intentionally looking for a 3 years old thread.

[James161]

Unless you are visiting a pinned thread I don't see how you are planning on stumbling across a post from three years ago, if the thread was somehow still active then maybe you would think to read through some of it's most recent posts or even some or the post under the OP because if someone posted a wrong information here then still within the first page you are very likely to see someone else debunking so if you were actually looking to learn then you wouldn't just read the OP and leave the thread.
Again, if it's not a pinned thread then most of the threads here are recent (unless you visit a mega thread) so the chances of you even opening a thread from 3 years ago is very low unless you were intentionally looking for a 3 years old thread.

That makes sense. Checking the most recent replies in a thread is a good way to verify information and avoid relying on outdated or incorrect claims. However, older threads can still appear in search results, so it's always worth checking the context and dates before drawing conclusions. Thanks for the clarification.

[Hypnotizer]

Now my question to you, is it the responsibility of the original author to correct the information in an old post if it has changed, or should those who read the information later verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

If a thread contains some service recommendations or other sensitive information then the OP should update the thread accordingly when they’re new developments concerning it but it is not mandatorily required from him and he can choose not to.

For anyone that reads any information online, he/she should verify the validity before acting on it especially when the source posted the information long time ago.

[DiMarxist]

Which old information are you referring to that have changed over time, Bitcoin is not science that knowledge is said to be outdated based on recent findings. To me as a newbie that's looking for knowledge and information every piece of work or thread that you can read to improve your knowledge is good. You don't necessarily need to reply to such thread, this is one mistake that most newbies do they don't take their time to study and understand enough before replying to post. It's important that newbies take time to read especially the rules that guides the forum especially on posting.

But , if you are talking about information that is changing about Bitcoin, it technology and how it works I don't think that much information about Bitcoin changes over time.

[Samlucky O]

Now my question to you, is it the responsibility of the original author to correct the information in an old post if it has changed, or should those who read the information later verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

The truth remains that old thread is an old thread and there is no how you can correct all misinformation that has been posted except for the one that is necessary and modifiable. Just like zerovin said, you can take a look at the new replies to see latest information. And however in some thread if the information will change in the future, they will indicate that if need be to modify in the future they will come and Edith and notify the people about the changes. Thread like the signature campaign thread, if you notice you will see that as time passes the signature code and avatar become updated to latest version, and it will be edited and old one replaced by new one and a message sent or dropped by op on the thread for people to check out the changes. But those information that can't change are always on point expecialy about Bitcoin.

[Davidloki]

With bitcoin, there are informations that are unchanged inspite of how long it takes, some details like Bitcoin cryptography and literacy for beginners would remain the same information for years to come. One thing about bitcoin that evolve with time is bitcoin security because there is no limit to how much one can learn about bitcoin security.

The forum is for educational purposes and pinned post are rather regarded as valid posts because there are always edits as time goes by and necessary additionals are implemented as well. There is also the need to verify information before conclusion, and the internet is one reliable place to look at, nobody is a know-it-all.

[Ishicryptic]

Unless you are visiting a pinned thread I don't see how you are planning on stumbling across a post from three years ago, if the thread was somehow still active then maybe you would think to read through some of it's most recent posts or even some or the post under the OP because if someone posted a wrong information here then still within the first page you are very likely to see someone else debunking so if you were actually looking to learn then you wouldn't just read the OP and leave the thread.
Again, if it's not a pinned thread then most of the threads here are recent (unless you visit a mega thread) so the chances of you even opening a thread from 3 years ago is very low unless you were intentionally looking for a 3 years old thread.

You're right this is a very active forum which means that the probability of seeing a very old thread on the first, second and third pages of any board is very rare because recent topics are popping up everyday. Permanent threads are the pinned threads and they are guides about the board so that a newbie wouldn't break forum rules, also old threads that are still active in boards are the mega threads, you can get their recent discussions in their last pages.

If a newbie doesn't see answer to what they seek or they want to get clarifications and updates about some information they can start a topic about what they want to know in the relevant board and experienced forum members would give answers and directions them.

[Hewlet]

Now my question to you, is it the responsibility of the original author to correct the information in an old post if it has changed, or should those who read the information later verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

There are two ways to view this. the first is that you are looking at forum rules that might have been adjusted with time and the other is that you are at the inherent knowledge of bitcoin that remains the same and doesn't change with time. the forum is so organized that by going through pinned post on the forum, you get up to speed with the rules that are applicable and relevant in the present day. a newbie that is an inquisitive learner can always go through the forum to educate himself on what is currently useful. as per bitcoin in general, most things have not gone obsolete and most of the old knowledge are still usefull.

maybe what might have changed can be that some of the old exchanges and wallet have been replaced by newer once and you can always search for specific things and still get the needed answer to help clear your doubt.

[Gost ms]

With time we are facing new content. The point you have raised is very important. But the person who raised a topic 3 years ago may not know about the new topic immediately, most of the time we see that these changes are not made. But whenever something is changed especially something related to Bitcoin, many people create a new thread. So I would say that it is necessary to read not only the old thread but also the new threads along with the old thread. Because when he reads both, he will understand both and he will also understand which is right and which is wrong.

[Ashawowo(OS)]

OP the best advice I'll give you is DYOR, whether it's a new thread or old one, there's no guarantee that the information there is factually correct or up to date, not minding the quantity of merit it carries as well. It's largely your responsibility to verify the authenticity of information you consume here in the forum. The OP(topic starter) can update it if they're motivated to, but that's not a yardstick to cling on. Before you utilize any piece of information, please validate it through your own independence research, this is why it's mostly preached here that you should NOT TRUST BUT VERIFY.

[Decimetre]

Many of us search the internet first when we want to know about something. Especially when we need to know something about Bitcoin, we also read old forum posts. But one thing we often don't pay attention to is whether the information that was correct a few years ago is still valid. Suppose, a new member comes to the Naija board and reads a post from three years ago. There, a service is called reliable and the rules for using it are also explained. But in the meantime, the rules of the service may have changed, or it may have been closed. If a new member follows that information without looking at the date of the post, he may get into trouble.

Here I am not saying that old posts are unnecessary. Many old discussions contain information that is still useful to us. We need to be a little more careful when it comes to things that change over time. Of course, it is not possible for anyone to find and correct every post from a few years ago. Therefore, those who are looking for information should also have the habit of checking the date of the post, the source of the information, and the current status.

Now my question to you, is it the responsibility of the original author to correct the information in an old post if it has changed, or should those who read the information later verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

I am new to this forum and have opened this topic out of interest to learn more about the subject. If there are any mistakes or inconsistencies in my discussion, I would be grateful if experienced members could correct them. And if I have unintentionally written something outside the forum rules, I will try to correct it if you let me know. If necessary, the moderator can take appropriate action regarding the topic. I welcome everyone's opinions and suggestions.

There are various old threads that sometimes you notice that they have been edited and the recent editions are always carrying the date of the last edition. Most of the edited posts were either to correct an error that has been deliberated upon and established as wrong, it can also be that the previous knowledge which was true has been outdated and the OP decided to update the OP with the current standard information. In other cases, it can be an entirely new Idea regarding the topic that the OP still edited the post to introduce in the OP.

It is advised that you reply to recent posts and not go and dig up an ancient post or reply because it must have been corrected in the following posts. Newbies who want to learn will start from the pinned posts: Any pinned posts is generally certified as correct or a working document for the forum. Incase of any policy changes, those pinned posts are immediately updated.

But in all, old threads are beneficial because it gives you insight about what bitcoin looked like or what the forum looked like before this modern age or very recent age. So you can read old threads but ensure you balance it with the newer ones.

[Doan9269]

Now my question to you is: is it the original author's responsibility to correct information in an old post if it has changed, or should later readers verify it themselves? Have you ever come across any old information that was once correct but is no longer valid?

All that matters is getting the right information passed across to others. It could be the OP for any other person who starts to be corrected by the information they give, and things have changed concerning the condition. I don't see it as a bad idea if we can remind them to apply those new updates; we are just following the new pattern if we have the right link with us. We are very sure of what we are saying, it could also be that we can do so by quoting on what they have posted with the latest information, please where I say either ways is also acceptable as long as the rate information and standard is maintained.

[Gozie51]

If an information that was given on op thread which was valid and correct at that time but currently outdated, I don't see anything wrong to quote relevant part of Op's post and direct with the latest and accurate information. What is wrong is if after 3 years of dropping the post and you then find out that it was wrong information even at that time. But if the post was right at that time but now obsolete, you can correct it for op and dropping the link (if it is not locked). I don't think it is right to correct without dropping verifiable link because it takes only general knowledge to believe something to be correct but to correct without link is not educational if it is based on individual knowledge that the information wasn't correct.

One of the things that can change is if there is a service provider that accepts btc as payment back then 3-5 years ago but have stopped accepting btc or has packed up in the business. This is possible and can be the change.

[Obulis]

An information is only old if there's an update to it or when it's not longer relevant, if not, it remains valid until a reform of one kind or the other are made. Here in this forum, it's important to note that the date a post is made has something to say about the information contained being valid or not. A post made some time ago but still rolling in the present tells the relevance of this post to the resent time, it means it was made long ago but the informations it contains are still new or relevant, if not, the post will not stand the test of time since it has lost it's relevance which makes it an old information.

On a general note, newbies should check the time an information were made or released since that has a lot to say about that info mostly here on Bitcoin space. Like Bitcoin market price, when the information was released tells it all.

[Hypnotizer]

Which old information are you referring to that have changed over time, Bitcoin is not science that knowledge is said to be outdated based on recent findings.

Off course there’re some old information that becomes outdated with time even in the bitcoin network (not the fundamentals though). For example, a thread that’s recommending “the best bitcoin wallet” or exchange and so on that is posted five years ago would probably have much outdated information if the OP doesn’t update it regularly.

So if any newbies sees a thread and wants to use any information shared on that thread then they should verify the information before making use of it.

[Nijarkk]

You are absolutely right. Bitcoin no longer works the way it used to, its entire ecosystem has changed in terms of pricing and other things. In the past, the price of Bitcoin used to fluctuate in a cyclical manner, but in the present day, a lot has changed. Perhaps as more people adopt Bitcoin, the previous charts will become more random.

[devouring-DARKNESS]

OP the best advice I'll give you is DYOR, whether it's a new thread or old one, there's no guarantee that the information there is factually correct or up to date, not minding the quantity of merit it carries as well. It's largely your responsibility to verify the authenticity of information you consume here in the forum. The OP(topic starter) can update it if they're motivated to, but that's not a yardstick to cling on. Before you utilize any piece of information, please validate it through your own independence research, this is why it's mostly preached here that you should NOT TRUST BUT VERIFY.

Most of the times the research we make still depend on the information provided by others which is why OP created this thread, to figure out what information to take seriously because believe it or not this forum has more legit information about bitcoin than most other sources out there, ask Google a question? It will probably still give you something someone else posted online some time ago, even the AI assistant still depends on already available information online so OP isn't wrong to try and get information here.

You are absolutely right. Bitcoin no longer works the way it used to, its entire ecosystem has changed in terms of pricing and other things. In the past, the price of Bitcoin used to fluctuate in a cyclical manner, but in the present day, a lot has changed. Perhaps as more people adopt Bitcoin, the previous charts will become more random.

What?

[Shadiq]

A post from three years ago was relevant three years ago, it is not mandatory for it to be relevant today. Even if the post has already gone to the bottom of the ocean, it is not mandatory for the OP to keep it updated regularly, because no OP post is dynamic. The comments below can be dynamic, so no matter how old a post is, if it is still being discussed and the changed information is discussed, then you can ignore the OP post and take information from the dynamic replies.

There are still many old topics in the forum that were started more than 3 years ago. But there are still discussions there, new discussions in those topics are now relevant, the OP post or old replies may not be relevant anymore. So it is your responsibility to check how old the post is or how old the information is.
Below are some threads that are very old but are still being discussed-

• Buy the DIP, and HODL!
• Wall Observer BTC/USD - Bitcoin price movement tracking & discussion
• JJG’s Outline of Bitcoin Investment Ideas

[Versatile_choice]

Many of us search the internet first when we want to know about something. Especially when we need to know something about Bitcoin, we also read old forum posts. But one thing we often don't pay attention to is whether the information that was correct a few years ago is still valid. Suppose, a new member comes to the Naija board and reads a post from three years ago. There, a service is called reliable and the rules for using it are also explained. But in the meantime, the rules of the service may have changed, or it may have been closed. If a new member follows that information without looking at the date of the post, he may get into trouble.

If you're talking about the forum rules I think the rules remains the same plus the ones that was added, a beginner who reads carefully may not go against the rules of any thread or get into trouble. The reason why many newbies are getting into trouble here on the forum is because the person that brought them here failed to explain to them properly on how the forum works.

Sometimes I wonder if people view the forum the same way I do, I guess No!  because there are some certain things that most people do here on the forun that I can't possibly do.