Automatically convert Discussion threads into Question Threads

[Alpha1]

XenForo Question threads are really nice and useful functionality. Google likes it as well.
But how on earth to convert hundreds of thousands of existing threads? It would be a monks task to do so manually. AI is probably the solution here.

Converting a question thread entails:

1. Identifying which threads conform to the Google questions requirements.
2. Changing Thread Titles to question format.
3. Changing Thread Type.
4. Identifying if the question has been answered or not. Marking the Answer post as Solution.

Schema for Q&A Pages (QAPage) | Google Search Central | Documentation | Google for Developers

Q&A pages contain data in a question and answer format. Follow these guidelines to learn how use Q&A schema markup for Google Search.

developers.google.com

It would be awesome if AI can find the threads and propose conversions.
A batch process threads function for this would be a live saver.
Some thread criteria and settings for conversion options would be needed.

 

[dutchbb]

You could also batch convert threads with title ending on a question mark or put them in a question forum. Then convert likes to upvotes and mark the one with most as best answer.

But even when not selecting a best answer google shows with most upvotes as best answer in search results.

 

[Alpha1]

That doesn't work at all I'm afraid. As @Mr Lucky also encountered, members will formulate questions that are no questions. For example users will ask for experiences or opinions.
For example: What are your experiences with X,Y,Z? is not a question. Those are experience threads, which could/should be a different Thread Type.
The same goes for How-To threads. i.e. What steps do I need to follow to build a house? These type of threads should have How-To markup.

The threads will need to confirm to the Google requirements above. Here are some points of what constitutes a real question:

1. Must pose a real question that can be answered with a single answer.
2. One single question.
3. No How-To guides
4. No essays / blogs / faq.
5. If your Questions forum node has Question threads that are not real questions, the whole node may be invalid.

Also: a lot of threads with real questions do not have a question mark. At least on my big board.

Suggestion for How-To Thread Type can be found here:

Thread 'Thread type: HowTo/Guide (step by step instructions to achieve a result)'

Apr 21, 2025

A very common use of forum threads is to post a 'How-To' or Guide or TEK or DIY. i.e. Instructions that explain how to achieve a result by performing a sequence of steps.
For example if you have a forum about gardening, then you will have HowTo threads about 'How to make compost' or 'How to grow Tomatoes'.
As people often search the internet to find How-To instructions, various websites cater to this demand. For example:

wikiHow: How-to instructions you can trust.

Learn how to do anything with wikiHow, the world's most popular how-to website. Easy, well-researched, and trustworthy instructions for everything you want to know.

www.wikihow.com

How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | ehow.com

Learn how to do just about everything at ehow. Find expert advice along with How To videos and articles, including instructions on how to make, cook, grow, or do almost anything.

www.ehow.com

Such content is highly valued by Google.
Schema.org has a schema type so that Google can easily identify such...

• Alpha1
• diy guide how to howto tek
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