In lots of the old forums I used to use, commenting on a thread would subscribe you to it. I have no idea if the software supports it, but I’d like the ability to sort by New Posts to Subscribed Threads, or something similar. I think being able to keep tabs on activity in threads you have posted in might help prolong the lifetime.

The comment about thread necromancy also brings back memories. I’m not really sure why that was ever such a taboo, especially since reposting old topics was also frowned upon…