There is nothing that wrecks a good swimming related thread faster than getting into a discussion about message board etiquette. So here is a thread that people can use discuss topics related to what should and should not be posted on the message boards while allowing the other threads to stay on topic.
It seems to me that there is a spectrum of opinion on off-topic posting. On one end of the spectrum people think that threads are a mechanism specifically designed to allow people to carry on discussions on different topics and that we would all be well served if changes in topic were just done in new threads. On the other end of the spectrum people think that people should be able to post anything they want anywhere they want and that any suggestion to the contrary is censorship, a personal attack, or simply control freakish.
Pretty much everyone falls somewhere between these two extremes. Very few people object to a humorous quip inserted here and there in an otherwise serious discussion. Very few people would actually advocate that people be able to liberally sprinkle potentially offensive posts randomly through all the threads.
Have you ever been at a party where someone has decided that this is the right time and place to have a big argument or screaming match with someone? Has it ever contributed to the general enjoyment of the rest of the people there?
I would argue that posts that are essentially expressions of anger and/or are essentially personal attacks have no place on the board. They don't contribute anything positive and generally turn off 99% of the people reading the boards. Even if it seems that someone else has attacked you, does it really help anything to post an angry response?
I personally don't see the problem with starting a new thread when one wants to make an off-topic comment, a little cut and paste and/or a link makes it easy enough to carry the context into the new thread. Why is it essential to be able to carry on an unrelated discussion in a thread where some people are trying to carry on a discussion on a particular topic?
Parents
Former Member
You know, I think everyone has made their various points. Everyone is trying to be better at being relevant, tolerant, selective, considerate etc. Why don't we put a voluntary lock on this now and get on with the Forums. Thank you Lindsay for putting the question out here. There are lots of topics out there to participate or lurk in. Let's get to it.
Just wanted to second this. The only way to see if things will change is to give them a chance.
The dynamics have been exposed or critisiced depending on your view, solutions that are acceptable to the majority have been proposed and it's time to MOVE ON!! :dedhorse: only goes so far before it gets misinterrpreted, annonying, and unproductive.....
I'm going to put into action my suggestions and get away from this drama vortex. Last post for me! Peace out y'all. :drink:
You know, I think everyone has made their various points. Everyone is trying to be better at being relevant, tolerant, selective, considerate etc. Why don't we put a voluntary lock on this now and get on with the Forums. Thank you Lindsay for putting the question out here. There are lots of topics out there to participate or lurk in. Let's get to it.
Just wanted to second this. The only way to see if things will change is to give them a chance.
The dynamics have been exposed or critisiced depending on your view, solutions that are acceptable to the majority have been proposed and it's time to MOVE ON!! :dedhorse: only goes so far before it gets misinterrpreted, annonying, and unproductive.....
I'm going to put into action my suggestions and get away from this drama vortex. Last post for me! Peace out y'all. :drink:
