The Benefits of On Topic Discussion

[Stephanie]

During our open discussions of moderation and site policy, it was expressed by some that off topic discussion shouldn’t be discouraged as it represents the natural flow of conversations.

 

While there is truth to that statement, LoveShack is not a gathering place for random discussion. It is not the same as meeting with your friends in a social setting to discuss whatever comes to mind. There is occasionally an “off topic” thread started in the Water Cooler for such purpose.

 

This site is divided into forums and sub forums for the purpose of encouraging conversations about specific topics in dedicated areas relevant to those topics. Once these discussions are held, the threads remain here as an archive of sorts that continue to live on to help people long after the conversation is concluded.

 

Two of the key benefits of on topic discussion include:

 

Respect for the thread starter (OP)

It is a great disservice to the OP to deny him/her the focus and attention on their specific topic that they need assistance with or wish to discuss. Derailing threads with attacks, secondary topics, debates, exclusive conversations, and other things that veer from genuine conversation regarding the topic at hand shows a great amount of disrespect to your fellow members.

 

Each discussion topic deserves its own thread

A topic that is deemed worthy of discussion by any member deserves its own thread. A separate thread ensures that the topic of discussion can be easily found and it provides others the opportunity to openly discuss the topic at hand.

 

Secondary topics within a thread “bury” the discussion. Members who had no interest in reading or participating in the original topic may very well wish to contribute to the secondary or "new" topic of discussion. Getting that topic out in the open in its own thread provides all members with that opportunity.

 

How you can help

 

Quoting off topic posts and responding to off topic posts or misplaced threads results in the thread being taken further off topic. Although well meaning, defending an OP or other member against a perceived attack also takes a thread further off topic.

 

If a thread is going off topic, if there are attacks, exclusive conversations, secondary topics, or if the thread is not in the correct forum or sub forum of the site, please use the “Alert Us” button located at the bottom right of the post to alert moderators to the problem.

 

Alerting moderators in this way does not automatically issue an infraction to the member whose post you reference in the alert. This sends a report to moderators for review. The moderators will review the alert and determine if there are violations of the community guidelines and/or if the thread needs to be moved to another section of the site.

Edited May 15, 2012 by Stephanie

[William]

When posters see a pinned thread on a topic which says 'Consolidated - xxxx' and they're interested in starting a thread on the same topic, instead post their thoughts to the consolidated thread. I'll be regularly moving threads and posts and will, as appropriate, infract members for starting competing threads. Thanks.