Why are old threads bad?

[Evil Slimy]

I was wondering why discussions in old threads are 'muted'. It seems like while it's true that the OP probably won't respond, the thread does remain valuable as a source of information, regardless of when that information is added.
I personally don't see anything wrong with reviving/replying to old posts, but I'm not smart and there could be something I'm overlooking.
I was wondering what the drawbacks are.

[cocoa_pleco]

one problem that happens in some, but not all old threads, is that the person already got like 4 answers, and a year later someone posts the exact same answer

also, if we make new threads for questions, we get more hits on google and other search engines, therefore we get more guests and potential members

[Lady Hobbs]

If you have questions, start up a new topic. Keeps the board more active anyway. One thing about the old topics, is either the person is no longer here or they have long learned what they were doing wrong. If they had a question about cycling their tank in 2006, they don't want to talk about it 2 years later.

[Evil Slimy]

Makes sense, thanks :)

[Nick_Pavlovski]

I still like to use the Search function to look through the old threads, though.
I've found good info from old posts a number of times...