16 replies to this topic

[Jackie]

Threads often get derailed as we all know. Generally I don't mind it, but there are times when perfectly good threads become so derailed that the original value is lost.

Other forums deal with this either by deleting or editing the offending posts or by moving the off topic bits to 'dump threads'.

I'm not a fan of the former method at all but I'm beginning to think the latter may have some merit. With this in mind I propose a forum named 'The B Sides' where completely off topic and / or squabbles debates between members can be moved to at the discretion of myself and the moderators.

I don't like censorship in general (unless absolutely and totally necessary, as in the case of spammers or plain abusive members), but I do feel we've had a number of threads recently that would benefit from having the off topic posts within them moved. We also have an occasional outbreak of drama as all forums do, and rather than let that drama draw away from the main purpose of a thread, it might be nice to let it play out elsewhere.
'The B Sides' would also only be visible to members, so that search engines can be kept out of our dirty laundry.
Please vote in the poll - if the majority say yes then I'll go ahead and implement this idea. Any further thoughts and suggestions on this subject are also welcome, but please try to keep it friendly.

[Dave]

There is another commonly used method...

And that's to leave the post where it is and edit it as required, mark the fact that its been edited in nice red letters and issue an infraction as a warning to behave.

This is the option I'd choose if it were an option... but as its not then I will vote for the next best... lol

[Jackie]

But that would be censorship Dave, and only in very extreme circumstances would I do that.

[Kate]

I hate censorship but have no objections to things being moved around at all.

[Alice]

Being guilty more than most of taking threads off topic, I am very aware how this can be annoying in the wrong place... I think I'm reasonably good at realising the difference, but not everyone has that ability.

Yes.

YES!

[Onceupon]

I think it's a [CENSORED] great idea.

Concupiscible, on 03 August 2010 - 09:50 PM, said:

Yes.

YES!

I no longer have to imagine you saying this.

Edited by Onceupon, 06 August 2010 - 08:22 PM.

[BadSeed]

Sounds like a good idea to me Jackie.

[xjohnukold]

I guess this is all my fault...

I've taken a break from self flagellation to type this... owwwww! it hurts!

[Dave]

Quote

censorship

Or would it be 'moderation' in order to keep a thread somewhere on topic .. lol

What some would class as censorship could be in fact be guidance in forum netiquett

Maybe

Edited by Dave, 03 August 2010 - 10:44 PM.

[xjohnukold]

Dave, on 03 August 2010 - 10:43 PM, said:

Quote

censorship

Or would it be 'moderation' in order to keep a thread somewhere on topic .. lol

What some would class as censorship could be in fact be guidance in forum netiquett

Maybe

Not being too critical Dave, but an xs of moderation and forum netiquette can result in a rather sterile discussion/forum, and we are not blessed with either that many active members as it is, or particularly active discussion on some occasions. I'm not sure that there is a real problem with an occasional 'spat'... people have feelings too...

Although I voted 'No' to the motion, if a thread becomes too off-topic, well fair enough, move it if needs be... but that is down to the discretion of Jackie methinks, and it will be a hard call.

[Jackie]

xjohnuk, on 03 August 2010 - 10:09 PM, said:

I guess this is all my fault...

Absolutely not, it's happened on a number of occasions...

Dave, on 03 August 2010 - 10:43 PM, said:

Quote

censorship

Or would it be 'moderation' in order to keep a thread somewhere on topic .. lol

What some would class as censorship could be in fact be guidance in forum netiquett
Maybe

It depends a lot on 'management style'. My style definitely is not 'fall into line with my expectations or be forced to shut up'. Within reason anyway. It's a fine line, and it's all too easy to go over the line into too much moderation, so I'd rather explore alternative options first.

xjohnuk, on 03 August 2010 - 10:56 PM, said:

Although I voted 'No' to the motion, if a thread becomes too off-topic, well fair enough, move it if needs be... but that is down to the discretion of Jackie methinks, and it will be a hard call.

It will be a hard call. Hell, pretty much any admin/moderation decision is a hard call. That said, I don't think it's something that will be happening too frequently. It's not like two little jokey posts will get moved - but when a discussion veers way off the original topic and there's a lot of the off topic side, that would be time to do something about it I feel.

[AaronCooper]

Personally i think the forum members should have respect for that fact Jackie puts enough hard work in this forum as it is, without making it anymore difficult. We are all adults here and if you have something that you do not agree on but may cause a heated debate, then use the private message function, that's what it's there for.

[Lisaf01]

This type of stuff is always going to happen, imagine a RL conversation being artificially limited or censored.........

So, moving things around as necessary when they get a bit too far off-topic etc is a sterling idea. Yes!

[booker]

Yep, a good forum has an off-topic area. Whenever folks drift too much from the topic, sometimes even several pages do land up in off-topic section

Caffe "Off-Topic" you know

This also means more work for the moderators

Edited by booker, 04 August 2010 - 01:23 PM.

[Raff67]

I can't see the point really as there has only been a couple of recent threads that have went ridiculously off topic. You would have to move 75%* of the posts on this forum for going off topic in threads Moderation should only be involved if the thread is degenerating into a slanging match directing abuse at each other.

I've found, so far on this forum if someone is being a total gimp then they will be told so, not just by admin/mods...which is a good thing.



*exaggerated made up figure.

Edited by Raff67, 04 August 2010 - 03:56 PM.

[booker]

It's not always about moving stuff to off-topic area Raff. Many times a topic gets some interesting subtopic which is worth to move as a separate topic.

[Rusty]

I don't think it is necessary at the moment Jackie. In future it could be a good solution if things wander all over the place, regularly - like me on the Beer!!