Random is closing questions as duplicates that should not be closed.

Question

I have run in to this twice today. As I was typing a answer Random closed this and this question.

For the first one, I understand that that one is truly a duplicate (even the poster said so in the post) but the reason it was a duplicate is that the original question was closed (and I think it should not have, at the very most it should have been migrated to SO). Random just pointed to the original question but nothing can be done with the original question as it is closed, he either should have not done the duplicate or should have re-opened the original question.

For the second question the question specifically asks, can I do anything about this without buying a UPS, and random redirects the question where basically all of the answers are "get a UPS" I actually had some good information for him about troubleshooting the power in his house that would not be relevant at all in the "duplicate question".

Answer 1

So we're dealing with two states here:

Automatically reconnecting to the internet

It was the same question the user already posted. They even pointed out that it was a duplicate. Only now it was with added anger and unnecessary language. Spewing bile doesn't stop a duplicate from being one.

The original was probably closed because it was basically a "give me teh codez" type question. Yes, they wrote a lot of words, but it looks like that's what it boils down to.

Using a computer under an unstable power supply

So basically they're using dirty power or in an area that is unstable. Other questions have addressed this:

• Protecting a Laptop in a Surge-Ridden Area
• How do I protect my laptop from power surges?

Maybe they're not sure if a UPS is a necessary have but others think it's a good investment for a home machine and may actually be needed. It can even damage your system if you're not careful.

And just because some people say, "Use a(n) UPS," doesn't mean a UPS is the only answer.

Answer 2

If you edit your original question, it may be reopened. I understand that having your first question closed can be a confusing experience for a new user, so let me explain the proper procedure.

First of all, if you think your question is valid, you can try contacting the moderator either by posting on Meta or on asking in Chat (if you have enough reputation). We have a specific Ask a Moderator chat room. Alternatively, you can edit your question by clicking the edit link right under it, and adding more details to flesh out the question and improve it.

Moderators are people, too. We can make mistakes. If the original question was closed in error, then that is something that is reasonable to discuss.

What is not OK is reposting your question several times. I know this may not seem intuitive at first, but now you know. If you need to add more info, edit your original question, don't repost it. Random was absolutely correct to close the repeated questions as duplicates - the asker even said in those questions that they were duplicates with more information. To add information, edit, don't repost.

Finally - and this applies to all of you - please try to be more considerate. Moderation is not an easy job. We have to wade through tons of spam, low-quality posts, and other problems every day. When you call moderators names, mock them, and insult them, you're drastically lowering the chances that we will take kindly to your requests for reconsideration on your questions. Respect is required in this community, and users who are disrespectful may find themselves asked to take a break for a while.