Staying On Topic

[Shep]

Since this subject was started in another thread, I figured I would ask this question in a new thread. I'm sure everyone wants to stay on topic with regards to certain posts, (ie..project related discussions, Bt3xxx setup, etc) but what parameters should be set for "Around the coffee pot?" Seems to me that if we're posting comments like we are actually sitting around a coffee pot, then some topics might get off topic.

I agree with the moderators that I don't want to see this site over-moderated, but I also want to see the relevant threads "clutter-free." However, there needs to be a balance. In my opinion everything seems pretty fine. I know others were thinking about this as well, so I thought I would kick the conversation off.

[LCHIEN]

that's what i was thinking - around the coffee pot discussions should have some freedom to wander, by their nature. They might be thought provoking and such thoughts tend to go in different directions.

[germdoc]

that's what i was thinking - around the coffee pot discussions should have some freedom to wander, by their nature. They might be thought provoking and such thoughts tend to go in different directions.

Depends on what's in the coffee...

[Alex Franke]

I agree. Conversations around our real life coffee pot tend to meander a bit.

Most of us drink the Colombian roast because it's tastier than the decaf and arguably richer than the flavored variety. Juan Valdez came onto a tour bus I was on when I visited Colombia once. I think I would call traveling one of my hobbies. Of course woodworking is also a hobby, and my favorite woodworking forum is BT3Central. Oh look -- a shiny object -- gotta go!

[crokett]

The problem is not the wandering, the problem is wandering into personal comments. So, since lately members aren't good at self-policing, the easiest way to stop the personal comments is to stop the wandering. This board has become a lot less fun lately and I don't know why. I used to have nothing to do as a mod. I liked it that way.

[radhak]

testing the waters

I used to have an English teacher who never allowed me to use 'meandering', and would always substitute 'wandering' for 'meandering' in my essays. She'd always say 'meandering does not fit here'. I wish I had internet then - I'd have researched and found a bunch of references to point out to her .

[Shep]

The problem is not the wandering, the problem is wandering into personal comments. So, since lately members aren't good at self-policing, the easiest way to stop the personal comments is to stop the wandering. This board has become a lot less fun lately and I don't know why. I used to have nothing to do as a mod. I liked it that way.

Agree 100% on the personal comments. I feel like some posters go from fine to pi$$ed off in 2.3 seconds. I think more discretion is needed on behalf of the poster in order not to offend. Of course I hate being pc, but I'm always conscience of what other people can read and think of me on the Internet.

I think we all need to remember that we're here to learn and to help others learn as well.........oh......and to be funny. There are times when I'm in a funk and I can read a humorus comment on this board, and it makes my day. There, I've said my piece.

[cabinetman]

I figured...I better stay "on topic" in a thread about "Staying on topic".
.

[Bruce Cohen]

This board has become a lot less fun lately and I don't know why.

Gee David,

Do I get 3 guesses?

Bruce

[Black wallnut]

Sure Bruce guess away!

[Bruce Cohen]

I think it's either the weird weather or this lousy Economy.

Sounds right to me!

[cabinetman]

I think it's either the weird weather or this lousy Economy.

Sounds right to me!

Sounds like you get one more guess.
.

[TB Roye]

I think it's just the whole country's mood right now. I have been around 67 years + and this is the worst I have seen the mood in this country. The economy is in the dumpster and we are polarized politically. The stress level is at all time high for most people and it is easier to push the wrong button. I have seen the same thing on other Sites I belong to, the mods have a big job keeping things under control. I have gotten to where I do more lurking than posting and it ain't always pretty. I have had to do some things here at home to keep things civil and that is not fun.

Tom

Tom

[crokett]

Gee David,

Do I get 3 guesses?

Bruce

How about I restate that to "Members are resorting to personal attacks and I don't know why".

But sure, you get 3 guesses.

[Uncle Cracker]

I must be missing something... This is just about the most civil and enjoyable site I can think of among the many I visit. I haven't seen anything lately to make it seem "unsettled". I guess I'm just missing all the fun...