Autodesk has partially restored older forum posts and IdeaStation content after significant community backlash regarding their archiving. While not all content has returned, and some functionality like search remains limited, the restored material covers a substantial portion of previously accessible information. Autodesk acknowledges the inconvenience the archiving caused and states their commitment to improving the process and platform moving forward, though a definitive timeline for full restoration and improved search functionality is yet to be determined. They encourage users to continue providing feedback.
In a recent development regarding the controversial archiving of Autodesk's legacy forums and Idea Boards, Autodesk has announced the partial restoration of some of the previously inaccessible forum content. This action follows widespread community concern and negative feedback regarding the loss of valuable historical data, troubleshooting information, and user-generated solutions that had accumulated over many years within the old forum platform. While Autodesk initially maintained that the archived content would remain searchable via web indexing services, users discovered this was not fully accurate, resulting in a significant reduction in the practical accessibility of the information.
Autodesk acknowledges in their announcement that the transition to the new unified platform did not proceed as smoothly as intended, specifically regarding the preservation and accessibility of the legacy forum data. They now admit that the previously employed method of archiving through web indexing proved inadequate for maintaining the desired level of findability and usability for the archived content. In response to these shortcomings, Autodesk has taken steps to restore a portion of the archived forum posts, making them directly accessible within the new platform. The restored content includes a selection of posts deemed highly valuable and relevant to current users, based on criteria such as historical significance, technical relevance, and community engagement.
However, it is important to note that this restoration is not comprehensive. Not all archived posts have been brought back to the new platform. Autodesk explains that the restoration process is ongoing and complex, requiring significant technical effort. They indicate a commitment to continuing the restoration work, with the aim of eventually restoring a substantial portion, though not necessarily the entirety, of the archived material. Furthermore, the restored posts are integrated into the new platform's search functionality, improving their discoverability compared to the previous reliance on external web indexing. Autodesk emphasizes its dedication to improving the user experience and ensuring access to valuable information, and frames this partial restoration as a step towards addressing the community's concerns. They also reiterate their commitment to the new unified platform as a means of fostering improved communication and collaboration within the Autodesk user community.
Summary of Comments ( 21 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42818047
HN commenters lament the loss of valuable technical information caused by Autodesk's forum archiving, with several noting the irony of a CAD software company failing to preserve its own data. Some praise the partial restoration, but criticize the lack of search functionality and awkward organization within the archive. Others express frustration that Autodesk hasn't learned from past mistakes and continues to undervalue its community knowledge base. The company's reliance on a single employee for the restoration is viewed with concern, highlighting the perceived fragility of the archive. Several suggest alternative archival solutions and express skepticism that Autodesk will maintain the restored content long-term. A recurring theme is the broader problem of valuable technical forums disappearing across the web.
The Hacker News post "Autodesk partially restores old forum posts" (linking to an Autodesk announcement about restoring archived forum content) has several comments discussing the implications of the restoration and Autodesk's handling of the situation.
A significant number of commenters express skepticism and frustration with Autodesk's approach. One commenter describes the partial restoration as a "dog and pony show," believing it's a superficial attempt to appease users without fully addressing the underlying problem of data preservation. They also criticize the new platform's search functionality and question the long-term commitment to maintaining the restored content.
Another prevalent sentiment is disappointment with the overall handling of the forum archives. Commenters lament the loss of valuable information and the disruption to established workflows. Several highlight the impact on troubleshooting and learning, noting the difficulty of finding solutions to specific problems without the historical context provided by the archived forums. One commenter sarcastically suggests Autodesk's move was a cost-cutting measure disguised as a platform improvement.
Some commenters focus on the broader implications for software communities and the importance of preserving institutional knowledge. They argue that forums like Autodesk's are invaluable resources for users and represent a significant investment of time and expertise. Losing access to these archives is seen as a detriment to the community and a potential setback for future development.
A few commenters offer more practical perspectives, suggesting ways Autodesk could have handled the transition better. One proposes using a more robust archiving solution, while another suggests providing users with an offline archive or allowing them to export their own data.
While some express cautious optimism about the partial restoration, the prevailing sentiment in the comments is one of negativity. Many see Autodesk's actions as a sign of disregard for its user community and a failure to appreciate the value of its own historical data.