3

Merge:

Split:

Remove:

  • remove 1x => has different meanings (abbreviation for at least 16 different names)
  • remove 1x => has different meanings (there are several firms and product names with metax)
  • remove 1x => too general
  • remove 1x => too general

I just learned that there is an periodically cleaned up of unused tags.

Some questions

  • I assume the periodically cleaned up is done through a scheduled task.
    If so, what period is used?

  • Are unused tags removed when all related questions are migrated to other sites? Like

  • Are unused tags removed when all related questions are closed?
    Like

  • Is there a guiding principle for when to merge tags and when to use it as synonym?

  • is there an intended place where I should post tag merge & split suggestions?
    Unfortunately Super User mid 2012 tag/question cleanup is closed

  • How can I search for tags used only once and sort them by time to find very old and unnecessary tags? That would be great (these search tips don't help)

5
  • 1
    Try the following query on Data.SE: SELECT TOP 100 Posts.Id as [Post Link], Tags.TagName, Posts.LastActivityDate FROM Posts JOIN PostTags ON Posts.Id = PostTags.PostId JOIN Tags ON Tags.Id = PostTags.TagId WHERE Tags.Count = 1 ORDER BY Posts.LastActivityDate
    – Daniel Beck Mod
    Dec 30, 2012 at 18:27
  • @Daniel Beck: That is very impressive!
    – nixda
    Dec 30, 2012 at 18:37
  • @Moderators, please also synonymize after merging (e.g [dos]).
    – tempy
    Dec 30, 2012 at 18:54
  • @tempy: I'm not sure about synonymize this. DOS can stand for many things.
    – nixda
    Dec 30, 2012 at 18:57
  • Went through with the merges / synonyms. For splitting, we're gonna have to do that manually.
    – slhck
    Dec 30, 2012 at 19:47

2 Answers 2

3

I assume the periodically cleaned up is done through a scheduled task. If so, what period is used?

From Jeff: I've implemented a routine that removes tags created more than 6 months ago which have been used only a single time. It will run monthly.

So, either nuke bad tags once you see them—10k users can do that from the stats page in the tools—or just browse the tags page in the reverse order.

Are unused tags removed when all related questions are migrated to other sites?

Yes, since migration stubs are removed if IIRC.

Are unused tags removed when all related questions are closed?

No, since closed questions can be reopened. Unless there's only one question tagged with it.

Is there a guiding principle for when to merge tags and when to use it as synonym?

We usually merge after synonymizing. Actually, the fact that you can have synonyms without a merge stems from the possibility to suggest synonyms, which can be community-approved. However, only moderators can actually perform a merge.

4
  • Since you answered every question except the one regarding an intended place to suggest many retag-requests, I assume there isn't one. So I feel free to post one question per request....or just re-use this question.
    – nixda
    Dec 30, 2012 at 20:38
  • Well, ideally focus on one set of similar tags, one request per time. This makes it easier for us to go through the [retag-request] tag and complete them individually.
    – slhck
    Dec 30, 2012 at 20:48
  • There is Tag cleanup for December 2012. Seems to be a good place to post tag merge requests, or not?
    – nixda
    Dec 31, 2012 at 7:36
  • Yes, but we're already quite busy with those that we have :)
    – slhck
    Dec 31, 2012 at 7:38
3

This second part is based on a Query on data.stackexchange.com
Query: Superuser tags only used once - sorted by creation time


All these tags are created prior 01.01.2012 and thus far only the creator uses the tag.
Since they are older than 6 months, I vote for removing them manually.

2009-08-15
2009-09-17
2010-01-19
2010-05-28
2010-11-17
2010-12-19
2010-12-24
2011-03-21
2011-04-07
2011-10-26
2011-12-03

From Jeff: I've implemented a routine that removes tags created more than 6 months ago which have been used only a single time. It will run monthly.

Hm, I'm curious. Why hasn't this routine caught the tags from above? Of course it may be that a second question (using this tag) was retagged during the last month and it will get cleaned up on the next run.

Or they are nasty little tags creeping deep inside the database and will someday get admin privileges. :P

1
  • Maybe these tags have been used multiple times, but questions tagged with them have been deleted? Could also be a bug, of course.
    – slhck
    Dec 30, 2012 at 20:50

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