off topic?

[Cloud No.9]

when is it judged that a post is off topic rather than part of a general evolution and flow of the thread?

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

When it seems that way to a staff member.

[Destai]

when is it judged that a post is off topic rather than part of a general evolution and flow of the thread?Because thats not what the thread starter wants to talk about and not the name of the thread title.

[Cloud No.9]

kishi that's not exactly a great way for people to know when they are doing something right and wrong. if you don't set guidelines then they can plea ignorance.

[Psychotic]

You can't exactly set out specific rules for when a thread is on or off topic, as it depends on the circumstances very heavily.

Ignorance to the rules is no excuse to breaking the rules. Or maybe I should post porn and claim I had no idea it was against the rules, as some forums tolerate it.

[Cloud No.9]

not but this forum specifically dictates that is against the rules. while going off topic is also evolution of a thread is not. there needs to be a diving line between the two.

[Yamaneko]

In cases like these the, "Use your fucking brain" rule takes effect.

[Shoeberto]

They'll just have to use their own judgement. It's hard to set specific guidelines for something like this.

My personal belief is that members should just use their brain and consider what they post before hitting the submit button.

[Strider]

I know I've posted a couple threads that I requested be closed because I felt the whole thing was straying from what I'd intended.

[Loony BoB]

not but this forum specifically dictates that is against the rules. while going off topic is also evolution of a thread is not. there needs to be a diving line between the two.
You can't give a mathematical answer to your question. There is no little equation that one can make to find out how off topic a post is. It depends on the thread more than anything.

[Cloud No.9]

but is there a difference between general flow and evolution and deliberate off topic random posting?

[Shoeberto]

but is there a difference between general flow and evolution and deliberate off topic random posting?
Yes and no. Sometimes evolution can change a thread with a legitimate point of discussion to mindless posts. Other times it's just a natural flow into a different yet related topic. We take it on a case-by-case basis.

[rubah]

if the change in topic makes sense, cool.

if it's spam or on purpose, not cool.

[Big D]

Basically, it's off-topic if the discussion gets taken on a tangent that's not related to the original topic. That is, a complete or radical change of tack, rather than a gradual progression from one issue to another.

For example, if someone makes a thread about whether Tifa or Aeris is hotter (not that they should make this kind of thread, but it happens anyway), it could naturally evolve into a discussion of these characters' relationships with other characters in the game, as evidence of their personality traits.
The topic has changed, slightly, but it's still relevant.

But if someone makes a thread about American hotdogs, then somebody replies with "zomg america sucks because of its breakdown in general morality and descent into egoist self-fulfilment at the expense of societal welfare", then that's plainly off-topic.

[Jojee]

I know I've posted a couple threads that I requested be closed because I felt the whole thing was straying from what I'd intended. But you're staff, can't you close your own threads?

^ Was that evolution? XD

[rubah]

That was perfect, mojojojo.

And now the obvious direction is how perfect miz monkey is, so continue in that venue.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

General rule of thumb:

Read the topic title and first post.

Read the most recent post.

Can you see a logical, one or two-step link between them? If not, it's off-topic.

[edczxcvbnm]

q-estion? If I put a disclaimer on a thread to let a thread's evolution take its course would it never go off topic?

[Teek]

Cloud, you have a tendency to bring up the same damn topics over and over again in topics that have nothing to do with it. The African situation has nothing to do with Katrina, for instance. Not even close.

Off-topic is when you make a completely random post like that. Resist it, and stay within the bounds of a topic.

Some of these damn mods annoy the hell out of me because of their on-topic nazism, but it's basically not that hard.

[eestlinc]

I got some awesome red licorice in South Dakota. Man that stuff was good.

[edczxcvbnm]

Why not combine North AND South Dakota into one big state called <s>North South</s> Dakota? We get rid of one state and instead get a bigger state. Same thing goes for the Carolinas and the <s>Virgins</s> Virginas!

[eestlinc]

I agree. That would be pretty awesome. It's not like that many people live in either Dakota anyway.

[edczxcvbnm]

Awesome :nonexistent pimp smily:...or we could just give them all new names...something with Zest...maybe Zest. Is Zest a type of Saltine cracker?

[Masamune·1600]

Well, to prevent VICIOUS STREET WARFARE between the angry citizens of Pierre and Bismarck, it would become necessary to create a new capital positioned between the two. Hence, we could establish the great city of Zest, Dakota. Everyone would be happy, really.

[edczxcvbnm]

OH HELLz yeah! Zest, Dakota...it does have a nice ring to it.

[Leeza]

Zest was also a soap that was supposed to leave you Zestfully clean. I didn't care for it too much. I wonder if it was made in the Dakotas?

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Ever see a train derail? Man, that's something.