hhmoore
tired & cranky shadow
on the subject of off-topic posting.
Off-topic posting occurs in many forms, and not all of them are problematic. In some of the forums here, conversations can wander quite a bit...sometimes even straying so far that one would be hard pressed to relate the various discussions to the original subject. At times, this may cause a bit of resentment; but, generally, nobody gets too worked up about it - especially if the initial topic is resolved/played out.
On the BOI, however, off-topic posting can be quite disruptive. Now, in the real world (and to some degree, here, as well), I am something of a clown. Smart ass responses and jokes slip out, frequently with little thought. As such, I like a good wisecrack as much as the next person...therefore, I don't generally get too upset when an errant post pops in an otherwise serious thread. With increasing frequency, though, those comments serve as springboards to a succession of similar posts. The intent is often harmless - just good clean fun - but that is not always the case. And the more people that decide to join in the frivolity, the more disruptive it is to the thread.
Another off-topic type of problem that is pervading the BOI is the sideline bickering. Apparently, it isn't enough to address the issues of the thread anymore. Participants use random threads to trade barbs, comments, and/or accusations...often with others entering the fray on either side. This sometimes results in multiple pages of unrelated crap that people must sift through in order to follow the thread. No big deal to some, until they are the ones trying to decide whether to purchase from a given vendor - or, until they are the ones seeking some type of resolution - and have to deal with this from a different perspective.
As a Warning System Moderator, one of my optional duties is to help enforce the rules of this site. That includes intervening in BOI threads as I see fit. I don't like having to step in & tell members to stop fooling around, or to play nicely. I don't enjoy issuing warning points to people when they cross a line that is not clearly marked, or that somebody else might have crossed a few posts back. Many of the warnings are pretty clear & easily understood, but there are a few that are somewhat discretionary: overly abusive to another member, and maliciously destructive off-topic posting, being among them.
Maliciously destructive off-topic posting...sounds like pretty nasty stuff.
Malicious = spiteful, vicious, deliberately harmful
Destructive = tending to destroy or damage, ruining
But - in simplest terms, and in application - maliciously destructive off-topic posting can be anything that willfully shifts the course of a thread. Rampant joking, inappropriate commentary, bickering between participants (anybody that is not named in the thread or involved in transactions with said party) are all examples.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've gotten called away from this post a couple of times, and pretty much lost my train of thought...now, there are too many things to get done, so I'd better just close it & try again later.
Off-topic posting occurs in many forms, and not all of them are problematic. In some of the forums here, conversations can wander quite a bit...sometimes even straying so far that one would be hard pressed to relate the various discussions to the original subject. At times, this may cause a bit of resentment; but, generally, nobody gets too worked up about it - especially if the initial topic is resolved/played out.
On the BOI, however, off-topic posting can be quite disruptive. Now, in the real world (and to some degree, here, as well), I am something of a clown. Smart ass responses and jokes slip out, frequently with little thought. As such, I like a good wisecrack as much as the next person...therefore, I don't generally get too upset when an errant post pops in an otherwise serious thread. With increasing frequency, though, those comments serve as springboards to a succession of similar posts. The intent is often harmless - just good clean fun - but that is not always the case. And the more people that decide to join in the frivolity, the more disruptive it is to the thread.
Another off-topic type of problem that is pervading the BOI is the sideline bickering. Apparently, it isn't enough to address the issues of the thread anymore. Participants use random threads to trade barbs, comments, and/or accusations...often with others entering the fray on either side. This sometimes results in multiple pages of unrelated crap that people must sift through in order to follow the thread. No big deal to some, until they are the ones trying to decide whether to purchase from a given vendor - or, until they are the ones seeking some type of resolution - and have to deal with this from a different perspective.
As a Warning System Moderator, one of my optional duties is to help enforce the rules of this site. That includes intervening in BOI threads as I see fit. I don't like having to step in & tell members to stop fooling around, or to play nicely. I don't enjoy issuing warning points to people when they cross a line that is not clearly marked, or that somebody else might have crossed a few posts back. Many of the warnings are pretty clear & easily understood, but there are a few that are somewhat discretionary: overly abusive to another member, and maliciously destructive off-topic posting, being among them.
Maliciously destructive off-topic posting...sounds like pretty nasty stuff.
Malicious = spiteful, vicious, deliberately harmful
Destructive = tending to destroy or damage, ruining
But - in simplest terms, and in application - maliciously destructive off-topic posting can be anything that willfully shifts the course of a thread. Rampant joking, inappropriate commentary, bickering between participants (anybody that is not named in the thread or involved in transactions with said party) are all examples.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've gotten called away from this post a couple of times, and pretty much lost my train of thought...now, there are too many things to get done, so I'd better just close it & try again later.
Damn shame this place needs a "daddy" to smack knuckles at all times.....