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It happens fairly frequently that some one with very few reputation points posts an "answer" to a question that the community feels was more suited to being a "comment". Some one then starts an action to delete this answer on the ground it it isn't an answer because it's a comment.

Rather than just deleting these posts, which sometimes contain useful information, wouldn't it be better if there was an option to convert an answer into a comment (of the main post, by default)? Or alternatively, allow users with insufficient reputation point to post comments that have to first approved in the same way that edits need approval before they are posted.

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    Mods have this power. So flagging leads to that.
    – percusse
    Oct 20, 2014 at 22:44
  • @percusse Thanks. I didn't know that.
    – user30471
    Oct 21, 2014 at 9:47
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    I agree that stating this is rather a comment than an answer is not really helpful for <50 rep users, as those cannot post comments, however, the 50 rep boundary is nevertheless useful, as it prevents spam comments (at least I have not found encountered one the whole time being at TeX.SX!)
    – user31729
    Oct 21, 2014 at 10:56

1 Answer 1

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For the conversion of a non-answer to a comment, flag the post for moderator attention and request a conversion. Note that 10K-users are able to view deleted posts and could flag them for conversion even then.

The communication privilege that allows you to comment anywhere is reached at 50 reputation. For some, perhaps most, this is considered quite minimal to reach when you contribute to the site. That is, answer a question or ask one.

Remember that s like these would have to be considered at a network-wide level. And, since there exists a way for converting non-answers to comments, it would be difficult to justify the need for something else.

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  • Just to make sure I got this right: If I posted an answer that should've been a comment because I was not yet able to comment, I can flag it myself so it'll be converted to a comment? I was looking to convert it myself, which I didn't manage (the reason I'm here now). Is there a specific way to flag it? It's about this question here: tex.stackexchange.com/a/413381/131277 Sorry for bothering you, I appreciate any help! Feb 2, 2018 at 14:45
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    @EmeraJade: Yes. Flag it for moderator attention and request that it be converted.
    – Werner Mod
    Feb 2, 2018 at 16:17

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