#qoto peeps, is it possible to edit posts on this instance, as opposed to "delete and re-draft"? I'm not seeing the edit option anywhere.
No, you just delete and redraft. But it puts the existing text in the edit window for you, so it feels like you are just editing the toot.
@Pat yeah, I’m aware of that, but I’ve learned that there is a difference. D&R wipes out the post, and breaks links to replies, etc. “Edit” keeps all that intact, and shows a history. I would like the option to use either, depending on circumstances. Perhaps I should loop @freemo into the discussion.
The problem with allowing people to change their toots while keeping subsequent responses linked to them, is that those subsequent responses then would be based on a statement that may have changed. E.g....
Alice toots, "I like Madonna. How about you?"
Then Bob responds, "Yeah, me too."
Then Alice edits her toot to say, "I hate Madonna. How about you?"
Then Alice is able to change what Bob is saying. Yes, you could have some elaborate revision system, but most people browsing the timeline are not going to dig into the revision history and they'll just think that Bob hates Madonna or whatever.
Also, a complex revision system makes it harder to use and understand.
The best way to do it is to edit your toots quick enough before there are any subsequent responses. If someone has already responded you can clarify what you've said in another toot in the thread, or you can delete/edit, which orphans subsequent toots (and then you should apologize to those folks for orphaning their toots).
@Pat Totally, and that was the rationale for not having an edit button on Twitter. But I think you could do it and still be transparent - There will be bad actors, maybe, but I think the majority of people would appreciate the ability to fix typos, update lists, etc.
I know that some instances have the ability to edit, and I've heard nothing but appreciation for the functionality.