If a new FAQ is submitted which covers the same topic as one already
in the LoPIP, we try to contact the old maintainer and figure out
whether it's a replacement or an opposing view. If we can't reach
him/her, then we either assign the new FAQ a different Archive-name
and Subject or let it replace the old one, depending on how long it's
been since the old one was last posted and whether the new one looks
like a direct derivative of it.
To update a FAQ which is drastically out of date and whose maintainer
is unreachable, as Larry Virden said, submit a new FAQ with better
information (being careful of copyrights on the old one). At worst,
you'll be the proud maintainer of the "New Foo FAQ," which people will
find wherever they encounter the Foo FAQ.
We are human, and we understand extenuating circumstances, so these
policies aren't applied with 100% consistency, but it's pretty close.
- Pam Greene
one of the *.answers moderators, news-answers-request@mit.edu