I know where you're coming from. You write a response, then the OP changes his/her node. You don't even realise it. But, the changes were drastic enough that they change your answer. And now your answer is out there, sticking out like a sore thumb among good answers (based on the new question). More important than the lack of XP gained for a significant contribution effort is the reputation that you perceive you're losing. Not the reputation as in ++'s and --'s on the node, but in the association of "PhilHibbs" with "good, on-topic nodes that respond well to the petitioner." It's the reputation your name (or alias for some of us ;-}) has among the monk community. And it's one that is below your personal standard. Because you weren't aware that the original node changed.

Of course, simply signing up doesn't help when the node was updated during the typing of your response, although if you're being careful, you could reload the original node to ensure everything is in context.

As well, it may be the odd time where the OP updates the question, but you're not sure how. So you miss it.

The former problem is solved by PM telling you that the original node has been updated between the time you hit "Comment On" and the time you hit "Create" through a timestamp that is carried in a hidden variable. The latter ... well, the best we can do is education. But as that's what PM is all about, I don't see that as a big issue.

Update: This may be a social problem with a social solution, but I still think that a technological aid can help with the social part of the solution. I'm updating this node rather than responding to ysth kind of as a point to that effect.

In reply to Re: Notification of a changed node by Tanktalus
in thread Notification of a changed node by PhilHibbs

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