Skip to main content

When merging ideas, why keep the duplicate?

  • January 8, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 26 views
J
  • jwren
  • Contributor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hi everyone,

Our community launched ideation last fall and just as you might imagine, we eventually began having some duplicate idea submissions. Thus far, we’ve only used the merging feature for these duplicate submissions. I was surprised that the idea being merged remains active and searchable.

 

I’m curious about the logic behind this and why merged ideas continue to be separate topics. Isn’t the reason for merging to consolidate similar user submissions and reduce clutter? I’ve seen the conversation about removing the ability to vote on merged ideas, but it doesn't seem to address why the merged ideas remain discoverable.

Again, we’re new to ideation and so I’m just looking for people’s insights and why the merging feature functions as it currently does.

Thanks everyone! 💪

2 replies

atwhite
Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • atwhite
  • Helper ⭐️⭐️
  • January 9, 2026

I can’t say for sure, but I would assume that it behaves that way to provide options. Some communities may choose to be more aggressive about what they regard as a duplicate, and at that point leaving the original behind for search purposes, etc., allows community members to evaluate any differences between the original and the merged version, leading to new/separate ideas or discussions. 

Either way, it allows the admin to decide what to do, instead of assuming that the original should just go away. 

J
  • jwren
  • Author
  • Contributor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • January 9, 2026

Thanks ​@atwhite 👍

That’s kinda what my assumption was. I guess it’s better that the “nuclear” option of removing/deleting the duplicate remains in the admin’s control, rather than the product assuming that’s the best option.

If anyone else has other thoughts, please feel free to share 😎

    Terms & ConditionsCookie settingsAccessibility statement