when is it judged that a post is off topic rather than part of a general evolution and flow of the thread?
off topic?
when is it judged that a post is off topic rather than part of a general evolution and flow of the thread?
When it seems that way to a staff member.
Because thats not what the thread starter wants to talk about and not the name of the thread title.Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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.
In cases like these the, "Use your smurfing brain" rule takes effect.
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.
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.
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.
Bow before the mighty Javoo!
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.
if the change in topic makes sense, cool.
if it's spam or on purpose, not cool.
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.
But you're staff, can't you close your own threads?
^ Was that evolution? XD
Wat
is
going
on
wtf
rawr
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