How Far Off Topic to Go?

[BobT]

I have noticed an awfully lot of waaaay "off topic" posts that have nothing whatsoever to do with tractors. Although it was removed by moderaters, the post "Clintons testimony by dr.Seuss" is typical of a gutter-minded post that has no place here on TBN, in my opinion.

My own interpretation of "Off topic & just for fun" is that it is the place for topics that are generally related to our shared tractor and rural lifestyle interests, but which DO NOT OTHERWISE FIT in the provided categories.

Somehow, these sort of way off topic posts have started drifting so far off base, that they risk degrading the overall tone of the forum, in my opinion.

I do not know if these posts are just to let the poster "build numbers" for their title ranking (gold, platinum, veteran, etc.) or whether it is just someone trying to flame things up.

In any case, I think the moderators ought to clarify whether even off topic posts need to be at least minimally related to our interests here, or is this just a place for every wild and crazy idea to float into our midst.

I am frankly sick and disgusted by the growing number of such threads. Other opinions welcomed.

 

[Mrwurm]

Bobt, I have noticed that the off-topic forum is one of the most popular on the site. Check out the numbers for posts and threads. Maybe its just because tractor minded people have more in common than tractors. The popularity of of this forum means something, though I'm not sure what /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I agree that some of the threads are less than ideal, but do we really want our TBN friends going to another board where we can't keep an eye on them. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[BobT]

Mrwurm,

I know this section gets a lot of posts. I hav enjoyed a whole lot of different topics over the years, even including some of the really "touchy" ones like politics.

I am recently (past couple of months) seeing, however, posts that do not have any conceiveable relation to anyone's interest here, that I can see. Sort of trolling, and "tee-hee" smutty-type real dumbo posts. What is the point of these?

 

[rmorgan]

Bob--

Thanks for saying what I've been thinking. It's gotten sorta hard to find information about tractors on TBN. It's also hard for me to find the "just for fun" part in "off topic" posts which attack--whether supposedly in jest or otherwise--people's views on social issues and politics. Hard to see the point, and even harder to see how it relates. But that's just me, I guess.

 

[MikePA]

In the past, someone compared TBN to an old-fashioned country hardware store, the kind with the squeaky wooden floors, where a group of people with similar interests would gather over some virtual coffee and talk primarily about tractors. I think it's a good comparison. In that country hardware store there are all types of people. All ages, genders, religions and political persuasions coming in and out, some participate in the conversation, some are shopping, some have their kids with them and all of them can overhear the conversations that are going on. Please use discretion and common sense before starting, or replying to, a post. Also remember, when contemplating a topic, that it's Muhammad's Family Friendly Hardware Store. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[BobT]

Mike,

Very well put. That's my thinking too.

 

[njrqs]

I feel that this topic is for us tractor minded folk to post about anything at all.

I certainly think there shouldn't be any posts which are deliberately intended to stir up trouble, but even posts where we discuss cars or trucks can stir up passions amongst members who feel strongly about their brands.

Hey have a look at some of the "friendly" rivalry about brands of tractors in the "on topic" posts.

Yes there have been some stupid posts but the vast majority are OK and I feel we need this place to talk about anything.

Cheers

 

[MossRoad]

I check this thread often and never saw the thread that you mentioned. I don't want to guess on its content or offend you.

In my opinion, "Off Topic" means not related to tractors at all. And "Just For Fun" is a loaded gun, as my idea of fun or funny might be highly offensive to you. I've made a few posts that really got on some people's nerves. And I've read a few that did the same to me. I doubt that most posters here at TBN set out to get a rise out of somebody, and truly believe that their post is worthy or humorous and someone will enjoy it or it will make someone think.

I probably averaged 1 hour a night every night for the last two years reading here. In 4 days I will have been a member of TBN for one year. This will be my 1761st post. That's about 4.8 posts per night. In response to all those posts I've only received 1 private e-mail that round aboutly accused me of being a moron /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Everything else has ended up being a positive experience for me. I like the way TBN currently works. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[BobT]

MossRoad,

Just FYI and to be clear, my post was not directed at you in any way shape or form. You're a great member. I am talking about some real dopey junk, that's all.

 

[Alan L.]

I don't see the harm in arguing political differences, as long as we don't get personal. I ride the officials at high school football games, but I never us profanity, and I never say anything about the officials' Momma.