Does it bother you if threads go off topic?

[donnashuggy]

Or if people make off topic posts in threads?

[soul_art]

and some are **bleep**wits....lol

The idea of the OP making a post like"can we get back on topic please" etc sounds reasonable but I'm a "no rules" type, so I like going with the flow.  Except when posters post to cause problems.  Nothing anyone can do about posters who go on and on and on.....well, maybe fall asleep but the back button is always there.

[izabsmiling]

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@*pepe wrote:

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@debra9275 wrote:
Twinks, that's what I've been wondering about, who has the right to judge what is off topic or not?

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the OP of the thread perhaps?

the participants of the thread who want to discuss what the OP is actually about?

i started a thread and specifically asked that the posts stick to the subject in my OP and gave the reason why I asked that, of course that didn't happen.

Is it wrong to expect that a thread started for a specific purpose be kept on that topic?

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I see that as like a seller stating all their own terms which though they have stated them actually mean nothing if they don't comply with the sites policies?

[Anonymous]

In one way I agree this is a chat board and topics in "chat threads" change often .
No problem there .
But can also see the more serious threads should stick to the topic of the op .
Basically its just good manners. ..imo !
Lots of political threads atm ,not my thing ,but if i did post in one I would stick to what is being discussed .
Same with news story threads ,threads asking for advice etc .

[just_me_karen]

Well, I had a thread about the budget and didn't feel the urge to dob on people for being off topic. Who cares if people have a chat while their friends are in the same thread? Someone obviously felt the need, unfortunately for many.

Dibber dobbers make these boards a dry, boring place... when it should be a fun place to hang out between buying stuff I didn't know I needed lol

We'll all end up talking about the weather, like under the last moderation regime.

[donnashuggy]

Hi am*3, the reason is that many good discussions deteriorate because persons with no interest in the discussion report posts merely to stir the pot and get an argument happening.
 
At least this way the reporter could only be someone who is visible, not someone hiding.

I think this would allow better discussion particularly in the political threads and it could help identify serial reporters over time by a process of elimination. 

[freakiness]

are disbutes related to debutts?

[donnashuggy]

That's true annie but if you were posting in a political thread and said hello to me how are your grandchildren then that would be considered off topic.

We aren't robots, we're all human so it is natural to have some banter even when discussing particular topics.

The boards are heaps better with the new moderators, my first reaction to the mods was to say that I would try and keep on topic where possible.

[Anonymous]

That's true annie but if you were posting in a political thread and said hello to me how are your grandchildren then that would be considered off topic.

Hi donna , i cant see how saying high should be a problem ,
Was more thinking along the lines of when some one posts something not to do with the topic of the thread ,then wanting to debate the issue iykwim .
Have seen that happen .

[donnashuggy]

Yes I know what you mean annie but it is happening that petty reports for being off-topic are successful.

[Anonymous]

Oh ..didn't realise that !

Mine just go ..no explanation..thought it was just a glitch .

How are the grandkids btw ?