The Off-Topic Lounge

[Fuelm@n]

I was wonder if it would be at all possible to have an off topic forum where members could discuss other issues. Yes I know that this is a computer forum, but feel that off topic issues in its own forum would add to this site.

[jenae]

Hi Fuelm@n the reason why many people come here is for advice on computer related issues,at least that is my view. If we were to extend the forums to encompase other issues,outside of this format then I probably would not mind. As the exchange of views in my opinion can only improve human relations,something that is sadly much needed in our troubled world. Problem is how to moderate such a forum there would be the inevitable perception that some views would be acceptable and others not. In an ideal world this presents no problems,however we have very diverse opinions on politics , social issues and religion to contend with. If you were to volunteer to moderate then I for one wish you good luck, for I fear you will need it.

[Vernon Frazee]

VirtualDr Support Forums > VirtualDr Feedback > Topic: Attn: Housen, Pete > Compguy Pete (Administrator) reply @ 05-10-2001 09:56 AM

An off topic area becomes very uncontrollable very fast. ... VDr is such a nice place I really don't want to add that type of area to the board.

VirtualDr Support Forums > VirtualDr Feedback > Topic: 'blatant' links > Compguy Pete (Administrator) reply @ 10-10-2001 09:25 PM

We have made a choice a long time ago to NOT have an Off Topic area here at VDr. ...

Other INT Media owned sites have removed off topic sections in recent months. OT areas on boards as popular as VDr would require constant moderation. Often OT areas attract members who only post in that area. Their sole goal in life is the shock value of each thread and rarely if ever post in the regular areas of the board.

VirtualDr Support Forums > VirtualDr Feedback > Topic: Adding New Areas > Compguy Pete (Administrator) reply @ 10-11- 2001 03:18 AM

As we have talked about in other threads this week we will not add an off-topic area.

VirtualDr Forums > Virtual Dr Feedback > Feedback > can we have off topic forum > BIG JOHN (Adminstrator) reply @ 04-09-2002 02:28 AM

it was pretty much a unamimous decision quite awhile back to no longer have an OT forum, so it's pretty much set in stone. Sorry but thats the way it is, those kind of forums are just too hard to oversee & they seem to attract the kind of element we dont need in our forums.

[user595212]

But! Guys! what is "It's Friday night, boys and girls, and you know what that means . . . " except for an Off-Topic Lounge?

Reconsider! Just tailor it narrowly and monitor closely.

Cheers
Wendy

[anarchyreigns]

Funny...they don't seem to have a problem with an off-topic forum on SysOpt, so I don't really think any of those points are applicable...nor do they wash.

[Calpitor]

WOW a whole whopping FOUR people agree! Talk about mounting pressure! LOL

The decision has already been made and to honest the moderators as a whole use thier discertion in moderation. Did I just make an unintended pun? We just had a discussion on the merits of the P2P issue that the mods let go to the point of allowing it grow to 305 replies. Once that one was closed another post in the same vein opened. There is at the moment 26 replies so far.

Clearly this is topic isn't fixing computer problems but it does provide an oppotunity for others to become informed about a complex issue whose ramifications can be more far reaching than just listening to Pop Music. As far as requiring constant moderation you guys can't tell me you have a problem attracting additional moderators.

[dougj]

Funny, I was was about to post a message asking if anyone knew of another site that allowed more general discussion like the one we had on P2P issues (Gee-Golly, but that was fun!). I can see the dangers the moderators have pointed out, but would still like to see such a forum made available. Perhaps it would require a seperate sign-on agreement, somewhat stricter rules of conduct, just so things don't get too out-of-hand, with posting priv's revoked (only to that forum) for repeate abusers. As for soliciting moderators, I think you'll find several volunteers in the infamouse P2P thread.

[smurfy]

Simply put, as it always has been and allways will be (per Vernons researched replies) Virtual Dr will not have an off-topic forum.
This is one case when a poll will not make a difference.
You may as well ask for a MP3Z forum

I'm closing this now.