An Idea about keeping topics on topic. OTO

If that isn't an example of off-topic postings, I don't know what is...

Ok, thats just wrong on a message board. Still funyy though...

My fault, wrong hypothesis.

Angus wrote:

(pacifically for anyone from Ciao)

We could all do with some peace

jesi wrote:

Angus wrote:

(pacifically for anyone from Ciao)

We could all do with some peace

We have a peaceful thread in the banter area don't we ?

Take the rose tint cover off your lap top

Angus wrote:

Thingywhatsit wrote:

I think that the review site areas should all be free of off topic postings as much as possible until conversations have run dry.

Rach, it is not going to happen.

On every single website froum I have been on it has never happened.

Thats cause you are on em

(I was being facicious btw....)
(and unable to spell)
(and a bit drunk)

But anyway, I do get the whole thing about topics meandering away and to and from whatever the point is.

Personally, I dont think OT posts should be removed unless they are seriously damaging the point of the thread.

My moderation in that respect (here and elsewhere) has always been to try and take the last on topic post, quote it, and the add to it.

Just saying "thats OT" doesnt cut it IMHO.

I have been doing that Drew sometimes, and I have asked staff to treat off topics in that manner. Course a few don't harm things and are spontaneous. Trying to get the balance right is the hardest thing. I hate forums where I am bollocked for capital letters and all that forum etiquette stuff. What does it matter ? But, if important things are being discussed, will bring them back on topic. I am actually not that good an example myself but trying.

drewboy wrote:

My moderation in that respect (here and elsewhere) has always been to try and take the last on topic post, quote it, and the add to it.

Just saying "thats OT" doesnt cut it IMHO.

Totally agree, as I said when Modding was being argued over this time last week (some of us still have the bruises) its all about taking each case on its merits and making use of guidelines rather than hard rules. This approach is totally the answer. I for one am guilty of going OT (its that Angus, he leads me astray) quoting the last relevant post, which is normally only a few posts previous and reminding people the topic is a good esponse. I'm not just talking Mods here as we can all do it, if I promise to make an effort, I'm sure the rest of us can as well.

I wouldnt have a major issue with any of my blatant waffle being cut for being OT (just the other day a post was cut and all I said was something about Moderators invading Poland so I guess I asked for that) but its nicer if its not required and remember most people come here for enjoyment purposes.

Totally agreed Dave. No one has said DO NOT POST OFF TOPIC to my knowledge. They have been told to be thoughtful of other members enjoyment, and staff have been instructed not to delete, but to get subjects back on track. The reasons for us asking for perhaps a little more care in areas where subjects that matter to review writers is so that people do not have to wade through all the crap to find out what has been said, but if people that go OT put them back on topic, then there would be no problem. We all do it, and I get bollocked as well but we can try to steer conversations back if they have not been discussed to death.

I sometimes enjoy reading the crap more, but I know what you are saying.

I don't think we are the only forum that has this problem. It's a common thing on forums and just common sense really.

As Angus said, it's conversation - people do it in real life all the time.

The difference is, normal 'pub' conversations don't have topic headings - so no-one is going to say in the 'pub' - "Oy, this topic is about beer - don't talk about camel sex here" or whatever. Sometimes, letting conversations evolve is a good things (and sometimes not. That camel sex conversation was disturbing )

Thingywhatsit wrote:

I don't think we are the only forum that has this problem. It's a common thing on forums and just common sense really.

Very true and it is nice to see that common sense is starting to be applied here. As I have said before a moderator can steer a thread back on coruse with one post and it is good to see this approach being adopted.

I once knew a camel called Honey.

Quote :

I once knew a camel called Honey.

Whose humps were all crooked and funny.

krazykat2005 wrote:

Quote :

I once knew a camel called Honey.

Whose humps were all crooked and funny.

although he was off topic

[quote="krazykat2005"]

Quote :

I once knew a camel called Honey
Whose humps were all crooked and funny
She had a nice ass,
So I took her up the Khyber pass,
And sold her to an Asian for money!.

leave now....I'm serious

Admit it, you laughed.

okay, the odd titter may have been heard...

The irony is that you started a thread about off topic postings and now we have wandered to a place where if you piled 17 London buses one on top of the other and stood on top...on tip toes, you still would not be able to see the starting point.

Quote :

I once knew a camel called Honey
Whose humps were all crooked and funny
She had a nice ass,
So I took her up the Khyber pass,
And sold her to an Asian for money!.

Tee hee!

steerpyke wrote:

okay, the odd titter may have been heard...

The irony is that you started a thread about off topic postings and now we have wandered to a place where if you piled 17 London buses one on top of the other and stood on top...on tip toes, you still would not be able to see the starting point.

I agree but I think it has done its course.