How to deal with off-topic posts in general

[UShaditComing]

The forum moderators have expressed an intent to keep threads more on topic. But upons browsing the thread on this section I find that very few threads are specifically on topic. One example is the US had it coming thread where one poster led the discusison to an issue on Lebanon and other countries which was of course off topic.

What to do now?

My opinion is that when posting in the US politics section the only limiting of discussion could possibly be a limit to subjects which somehow relate to US politics and even US politics relating to the rest of the world. Practically no limitations at all except to perhaps keep discussions on totally different issues such as questions to moderators, intorductions, or perhaps some other issues out of this section. I'm not sure and so I'll ask the moderators to take part here on this thread and of course others who see this as being a problem which needs clarification.

I think we all want to abide by the rules and be as proactive in doing that as we can possibly be. That means that we want to follow the rules 'before' we are reprimanded because of our straying away from the rules and so prevent further undue interruptions of the forum.

Are the moderators open to ideas from members? Are the moderators interested in adding their input to this thread?

I'm not even comfortable right now in even putting this thread in this section because it is not specifically US politics but I felt it needed to be here for the best exposure. If it needs to be moved then I trust the mods will move it or have me move it.

Let's put our heads together and come up with some answers on this important issue.

EDIT:

This thread has been moved to this sub-forum and the title was changed to more accurately reflect the topic.

The old title was: "Off topic posts in 'US Politics' section. A solution?"

Edited March 13, 2008 by Charles Anthony
title changed and thread moved

[bush_cheney2004]

This post is off topic. Please conform to forum rules.

[UShaditComing]

This post is off topic. Please conform to forum rules.

I would asume that you are not a moderator and so I don't think it's your place to interrupt this thread with your smarta-- comments. I covered the possibility completely of the moderators wanting this thread moved and will do so if it is their wish. I think your comment only illustrates your intent to interrupt and be abusive.

Please stop it now.

[bush_cheney2004]

I would asume that you are not a moderator and so I don't think it's your place to interrupt this thread with your smarta-- comments. I covered the possibility completely of the moderators wanting this thread moved and will do so if it is their wish. I think your comment only illustrates your intent to interrupt and be abusive.

Please stop it now.

No.. I think I should compound your absurdities by starting yet another thread about threads which are about off-topic posts for US Politics. However, I will note my pleasure with continued interest in US politics. We are #1!

[Army Guy]

I covered the possibility completely of the moderators wanting this thread moved and will do so if it is their wish. I think your comment only illustrates your intent to interrupt and be abusive.

Please stop it now.

Much like you did with the topics "why we don't fight in Darfur", or "the Waterboarding poll".....

[UShaditComing]

Much like you did with the topics "why we don't fight in Darfur", or "the Waterboarding poll".....

I am certainly as guilty as anyone for going off topic but it has been mentioned to me by a moderator that it is their desire to keep threads more on topic. That is why I started this thread because it's a little confusing to know what is considered outside the rules in that regard. Do you have any ideas?

Lacking more clarification from the moderators I think that the wishes of the members would be valuable at this time.

[Army Guy]

Do you have any ideas?

You know this is not a bad forum, it's full of intelligent people with a wide spectrum of views...perhaps changing your approach would be a start...there has been dozens that have used your approach, all with the idea of cleaning up our forum, or insulting everyone on it....but none have stayed for very long...

[UShaditComing]

You know this is not a bad forum, it's full of intelligent people with a wide spectrum of views...perhaps changing your approach would be a start...there has been dozens that have used your approach, all with the idea of cleaning up our forum, or insulting everyone on it....but none have stayed for very long...

If telling the truth is insulting to Americans then that's just too damn bad. As Canadians we need to take the high road and expose the truth. This is what political forums are all about and if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen. That is my final position on your issue and is not negotiable. What is negotiable in my opinion is a clarification of how much straying from the topic is going to be allowed. Why not at least forget your silly pride for a minute and see if you are capable of addressing that?

[AngusThermopyle]

Telling the truth is not insulting, you are. Since you arrived all you've done is toss insults and snide remarks around. That is the primary reason that I ignore 90% of what you have to say. The ten percent that I do read is the stuff where you twist and manipulate discussions to support your hatred of America. Your condescending manner doesn't help at all either, oh yes, and your boundless egotism.

Why not at least forget your silly pride for a minute and see if you are capable of addressing that?

The above would be a prime example of what I'm talking about. As for what you think is or is not negotiable, well what makes you think any one here gives a flying f*ck what you think is negotiable? That would be indicative of the egotism thing you have going. I could go on but I hate wasting my time.

Now be nice and apologize to Army Guy for all the insults you've tossed at him recently. After all, you should respect your betters.

[Melanie_]

If telling the truth is insulting to Americans then that's just too damn bad. As Canadians we need to take the high road and expose the truth. This is what political forums are all about and if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen. That is my final position on your issue and is not negotiable. What is negotiable in my opinion is a clarification of how much straying from the topic is going to be allowed. Why not at least forget your silly pride for a minute and see if you are capable of addressing that?

If your position is non-negotiable there is no reason for you to come to a discussion board. You've made up your mind, and aren't open to hearing other people's perspectives, you just like the sound of your own fingers on the keyboard. If you aren't here for respectful dialogue, don't bother coming back.

[guyser]

Telling the truth is not insulting, you are. Since you arrived all you've done is toss insults and snide remarks around. That is the primary reason that I ignore 90% of what you have to say. The ten percent that I do read is the stuff where you twist and manipulate discussions to support your hatred of America. Your condescending manner doesn't help at all either, oh yes, and your boundless egotism.

The above would be a prime example of what I'm talking about. As for what you think is or is not negotiable, well what makes you think any one here gives a flying f*ck what you think is negotiable? That would be indicative of the egotism thing you have going. I could go on but I hate wasting my time.

Now be nice and apologize to Army Guy for all the insults you've tossed at him recently. After all, you should respect your betters.

What he said

[UShaditComing]

Angus wrote:

Telling the truth is not insulting, you are. Since you arrived all you've done is toss insults and snide remarks around. That is the primary reason that I ignore 90% of what you have to say. The ten percent that I do read is the stuff where you twist and manipulate discussions to support your hatred of America. Your condescending manner doesn't help at all either, oh yes, and your boundless egotism.

Yes agnus, I would do the same thing with your posts but I haven't figured out a way yet to only read the 10% which you twist and manipulate. What's your secret Angus?

[UShaditComing]

If your position is non-negotiable there is no reason for you to come to a discussion board. You've made up your mind, and aren't open to hearing other people's perspectives, you just like the sound of your own fingers on the keyboard. If you aren't here for respectful dialogue, don't bother coming back.

Melanie darling, you haven't read what I said was non-negotiable obviously. If you had you wouldn't make such silly comments. Your groundless personal attacks against me for my opinion isn't going to get you anywhere Melanie so you should stop it before you get angry.

Isn't that the timer on your stove going off that I hear?

[Wilber]

Don't know what he said because PolyNewbie finally has some company on my ignore list but coming from someone whose every post is an anti American rant regardless of the topic, the title of this one is rich.

[UShaditComing]

What he said

Yes guyser, what he said was that he didn't care what happened to captives when the Canadians handed them over to others and he aslo said he was in a position to command others. This is very troubling to hear as Canada's position is very clear on not handing prisoners over to others who would torture them. Do you think he knows something about what's going on in Afghanistan that we don't know. If he wants to pursue the issue further I'm going to ask him.

This could be the breakthrough we have been looking for to expose torture by Canadian forces!

[Melanie_]

Melanie darling, you haven't read what I said was non-negotiable obviously. If you had you wouldn't make such silly comments. Your groundless personal attacks against me for my opinion isn't going to get you anywhere Melanie so you should stop it before you get angry.

Isn't that the timer on your stove going off that I hear?

Aren't you sweet, trying to be all condescending? No worries, you aren't going to make me angry, I just find your incredible ego really amusing.

[UShaditComing]

Aren't you sweet, trying to be all condescending? No worries, you aren't going to make me angry, I just find your incredible ego really amusing.

So then stop the personal attacks and insults and show us that you can go toe to toe with the big kids. I don't have time for whiners who only want to insult others. I'm getting more business than I need already so maybe think about it and then take a number.

[capricorn]

This could be the breakthrough we have been looking for to expose torture by Canadian forces!

Wrong thread. :lol:

[UShaditComing]

Wrong thread. :lol:

Yes you're right but I only follow the conversation and it's supposed to be kept on topic by the mods. People slip up once in a while when answering so many of you people who want answers. I'll try to keep it on topic.

[guyser]

Yes guyser, what he said was that he didn't care what happened to captives when the Canadians handed them over to others and he aslo said he was in a position to command others. This is very troubling to hear as Canada's position is very clear on not handing prisoners over to others who would torture them. Do you think he knows something about what's going on in Afghanistan that we don't know. If he wants to pursue the issue further I'm going to ask him.

This could be the breakthrough we have been looking for to expose torture by Canadian forces!

Your dishonesty is apparent.

Thats not what he said and you know it. He put you in your place, spot on I might add.

I take it reading is not your forte?

Your cheap shot at Melanie is noted. She never said one disparaging word, no insults, no meanness in her one post in this thread, yet you told her to "stop the personal attacks and insults and show us that you can go toe to toe with the big kids"

She can, and does go toe to toe. You just arent a big kid, you are a misguided conspiracy little person who hates america .

[Melanie_]

So then stop the personal attacks and insults and show us that you can go toe to toe with the big kids. I don't have time for whiners who only want to insult others. I'm getting more business than I need already so maybe think about it and then take a number.

This is an off topic thread that seems to mostly be about you anyway. But you're right, I should play the ball, not the player. Try to do the same.

[buffycat]

LMFAO :lol:

It seems that a whole lot of folk missed the humour in the OP....

[capricorn]

Yes you're right but I only follow the conversation and it's supposed to be kept on topic by the mods. People slip up once in a while when answering so many of you people who want answers. I'll try to keep it on topic.

Thank you. I'm tired of keeping you on the straight and narrow.

[Charles Anthony]

Are the moderators open to ideas from members?

Yes.

Are the moderators interested in adding their input to this thread?

Yes: just do your best.

Do your best to avoid starting off-topic discussions and ignore them when you encounter them.

[UShaditComing]

Yes.

Yes: just do your best.

Do your best to avoid starting off-topic discussions and ignore them when you encounter them.

Great Charles! I would then propose that the US Politics section be completely open to all issues which can be linked to US politics. I would also suggest that the moderators remove any thread in any section which doesn't fit in that section and then leave it alone as far as off topic goes as long as it meets the former I mention.

The thread on US politics on the waterboarding poll which was a fixed poll and a repeat of the first one anyway should have been removed immediately.

How about some input from others now, considering that you as a mod are interested in input on the question? If they don't like my ideas then put something else on the table. I think we need some clarity on this or things will not improve.