Moderator Options: Does anybody use Unlock/Lock Time?

[MMXII]

I am talking about the moderator options (when you create a new topic): It is possible to define an unlock/lock time. Are there really any people who know in advance when they like to close a topic? Or people who want to create a closed topic in the first place and then open it after some time? Why do these features exist?

Now if this was about an unhide/hide option, I could see a reason for this. You could create content in advance, hide it until a certain time, and when the minute/hour/day etc. is reaced, it will be shown to the users. I think I saw an option (permission) about future publishing content, I assume this one was for articles. It would be a very nice feature for forum content too.

[BrantM]

Depends on what kind of community you're running. IPS likes to provide dynamic features for all types of communities.

For instance, if you were to host a raffle, or a giveaway, or something similar, you can create a thread documenting information about the event, and you can use that thread for users on your website to sign up. Most giveaways, raffles, and events have a specific close date, and time. Human errors come up, and sometimes closing a thread such as this in a timely fashion may prove a bit difficult, which is what I use it for.

Users are still able to review over the thread and its information, without being able to contribute to its content.

[Mat Jarosz]

It really helps me with polls. When I am doing a public poll about new feature or suggestion I can set the times when it will be opened and locked. I am also using it for our AMA series, when people are allowed to ask the questions from Sunday 12:00 to Sunday week after and then the guests replies in the topic. I don't have to bother about locking and opening the topics, because it is done automatically for me.