I usually just answer the old question. More than likely someone will reference it in their answer in your “new” question. I’ve answered stuff a year old or earlier.

I’ve noticed sometimes a question will be revived but asked in a manner that it is known the question is revived as in “Who has had a good thing happen today Part IV”. Or something like that. I enjoy those questions.

I’ve answered some old questions as well. I’ve noticed that there aren’t many people that will respond after my answer though, so that doesn’t really work if you are hoping to rejuvenate the conversation. If you want an active discussion, I would ask it again, but I would mention in the details that you had read the previous question and that you wanted to get a fresh perspective (or something like that to avoid getting a bunch of people that give you links to the old question instead of answers).

I know a lot of people who would say answer the old question but I think it’s better to ask again. If it’s been a long time since the last question then the answers may not still be valid (take for example a question on Obama – peoples answers now may be a lot different to what they were before the election).

I’d give it three months. Members change quickly on fluther.

I just keep asking the same old questions, under a new nickname.

;-)

While it is nice to see old questions appear in my activity, I have noticed that many of the users in that question are no longer with us. I say ask again. You’ll get more responses.

It depends on the question. If it’s a factually based answer, I’d just answer the old one. If it’s a discussion based answer, as long as it’s been a while (say, 6 months?) I’d ask a new one about it. I like @Seaofclouds’ suggestion regarding referencing the old question, too.

Well thanks for the responses everyone. I have somewhat of an idea now what to do.

Many of the same questions, maybe most, keep getting recycled. But how the question is re-asked, what small bit of new detail is included that refreshes its context, can make all the difference how it’s perceived and commented on, especially newer members.

I’m inclined to think that if the question is very old it might be better to ask it again. Mainly because the people involved in the old question might have un-followed it, or no longer log into Fluther at all, so no-one will even notice that it has new comments.