--- loncom/interface/lonfeedback.pm	2009/12/08 13:33:12	1.282
+++ loncom/interface/lonfeedback.pm	2010/06/19 19:06:42	1.282.2.1
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network
 # Feedback
 #
-# $Id: lonfeedback.pm,v 1.282 2009/12/08 13:33:12 wenzelju Exp $
+# $Id: lonfeedback.pm,v 1.282.2.1 2010/06/19 19:06:42 raeburn Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -48,15 +48,24 @@ use LONCAPA;
 
 sub discussion_open {
     my ($status,$symb)=@_;
+# Advanced roles can always discuss
     if ($env{'request.role.adv'}) { return 1; }
+# Get discussion closing date
+    my $close=&Apache::lonnet::EXT('resource.0.discussend',$symb);
+# If it is defined and in the future, the instructor wants this discussion to be open
+    if (defined($close) && $close ne '' && $close > time) {
+        return 1;
+    }
+# It was not explicitly open, check if the problem is available.
+# If the problem is not available, close the discussion
     if (defined($status) &&
-	!($status eq 'CAN_ANSWER' || $status eq 'CANNOT_ANSWER'
-	  || $status eq 'OPEN')) {
-	return 0;
+        !($status eq 'CAN_ANSWER' || $status eq 'CANNOT_ANSWER'
+          || $status eq 'OPEN')) {
+        return 0;
     }
-    my $close=&Apache::lonnet::EXT('resource.0.discussend',$symb);
+# The problem is available, but check if the instructor explictly closed discussion
     if (defined($close) && $close ne '' && $close < time) {
-	return 0;
+        return 0;
     }
     return 1;
 }