http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=593102


in reply to Marking replies to updated nodes

On the relatively rare occasions that this happens, it's usually fairly obvious to the reader that it has happened.

If the changes to the parent are drastic enough and mess up reply context badly, the original content of the node can be and sometimes is restored by the janitors.

IMHO, the best thing to do is to probably to update your reply to the effect that the OP of the parent has changed their node, and if the changes are really drastic, consider for restoration of original content.

Update: As wfsp just pointed out to me, these actions are dependent on noticing that changes have been made. FWIW I think the key point is that we as PM users shouldn't change nodes drastically without making it clear that changes have been made - perhaps with an "Update" marker like this one. That doesn't stop new users doing it, but gradually people get to know the conventions.

(for my part, I consider this another reason to be light handed with the downvotes).

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"If there is such a phenomenon as absolute evil, it consists in treating another human being as a thing."
John Brunner, "The Shockwave Rider".