Proposal about altering "problem" thread titles once root cause established

This might come over as a bit anal, but something that bugs me is how many threads we have, complaining about equipment - "my 40D is soft", "my flash underexposes", "my 50D rear control dial does not work", "my 100-400 is soft" etc. - when it transpires during the course of the thread that the problem was user error, and possibly a case of simply not reading the manual.

What I think would be nice, and helpful, is if people would get into the habit of amending their thread titles to indicate the root cause of the problem, just so we don't continue to see a flood of moans about perfectly operational equipment, which completely skew the impression of what the problems are.

It doesn't need to be an essay. Simply adding something like "- user error" or "- dodgy filter" or "- equipment confirmed faulty" would surely help speed things along.

Could this catch on? Is it worth pursuing? Any thoughts to make this a worthwhile aim?

tdodd wrote in post #9350117
This might come over as a bit anal, but something that bugs me is how many threads we have, complaining about equipment - "my 40D is soft", "my flash underexposes", "my 50D rear control dial does not work", "my 100-400 is soft" etc. - when it transpires during the course of the thread that the problem was user error, and possibly a case of simply not reading the manual.

What I think would be nice, and helpful, is if people would get into the habit of amending their thread titles to indicate the root cause of the problem, just so we don't continue to see a flood of moans about perfectly operational equipment, which completely skew the impression of what the problems are.

It doesn't need to be an essay. Simply adding something like "- user error" or "- dodgy filter" or "- equipment confirmed faulty" would surely help speed things along.

Could this catch on? Is it worth pursuing? Any thoughts to make this a worthwhile aim?

Well, first off I would think this would be better fit to post in the Forum Talk section, but your choice...

Second, I do not know if still true or even accurate to begin with, however I think I remember years ago reading that after a post is made you have only a few minutes to change the thread subject title. After that short time period, it's locked. I'm sure a mod will correct me / inform us.

Users typically can't change the thread title after a time period (or if someone else has replied).

If people want to change their thread title (and find they can't), then just use the "Report Post" button (

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'text/html'

CannedHeat wrote in post #9350272
Well, first off I would think this would be better fit to post in the Forum Talk section, but your choice.

You're probably right, but as I have my forum links set up as favorites/bookmarks, and "Forum Talk" is not one I frequent, it has completely slipped off my radar, so apologies for posting in the wrong forum.

tdodd wrote in post #9350301
You're probably right, but as I have my forum links set up as favorites/bookmarks, and "Forum Talk" is not one I frequent, it has completely slipped off my radar, so apologies for posting in the wrong forum.

Sorry if I misspoke. I just meant it might get more response and some official technical advice if in the Forum Talk section (about editing titles).

No worries. It was a good idea. The deed has already been done and the thread has been moved. I have added a new bookmark too

tdodd wrote in post #9350117
This might come over as a bit anal, but something that bugs me is how many threads we have, complaining about equipment - "my 40D is soft", "my flash underexposes", "my 50D rear control dial does not work", "my 100-400 is soft" etc. - when it transpires during the course of the thread that the problem was user error, and possibly a case of simply not reading the manual.

Surely if they knew the cause in the first place they wouldn't be asking the question and therefore wouldn't post a thread about it. That is why the forums are a good place for teaching and learning how to use your equipment properly. I see no problem with this kind of thing.

No. They discover the cause of the problem as the thread unfolds. Then they go back and update the thread title to explain the cause, in brief. e.g. Let's say someone starts a thread with the topic....

"My 100-400 is soft".

A lengthy discussion ensues, with repeated requests for examples, tests blah blah blah. After a huge amount of time and energy has been spent to uncover the truth - maybe several pages - we get to the bottom of the problem. Causes might be.....

- the lens is faulty and needs to go for replacement/repair;
- the lens needs calibration with the body and AF microadjustment will fix it;
- the lens needs calibration with the body but needs to be sent away;
- the lens has a UV filter attached an it is harming IQ;
- the lens is being used on a tripod with IS engaged;
- the lens is being used with Mode 1 IS for panning a subject;
- the shutter speed is too slow;
- etc. etc.

Sure, in a couple of scenarios it is indeed the lens that is the problem. In several of them it has nothing to do with the lens. The problem is with the usage of the lens, or perhaps the body it is coupled to. In those cases the thread titles maligns the 100-400 and completely fails to address the actual problem. Is there really much value in leaving the thread saying "my 100-400 is soft" compared to "soft results with my 100-400 - user error - shutter speed too slow".

Now, over time, instead of seeing dozens of threads about soft lenses (insert model) or soft cameras (insert model), many being highly misleading, we might start to see a trend of useful thread titles, in which we repeatedly see useful things like "slow shutter speeds cause blur/softness" or "filters harm IQ" or "raw files need sharpening", "insufficient DOF" etc. etc.

And then people might more easily come to understand the causes of common problems, instead of getting worked up about Canon's QC or whatever disinformation is left to prevail.

Anyway, it's just an idea.