Why is it so difficult

**rabbi** · 01-12-2006, 02:04 AM

to stay on topic? I`ve noticed lately that someone will post a thread and before it`s over the topic of discussion will be way off base. When I want an open discussion of products I`ll ask what do you use to do such n such a job? This way people can chime in with their findings with various products. If I want to discuss a PARTICULAR product I`ll post a I used this today and this is what I discovered.Then the discussion will be about THAT product.Sorry if I didn`t/don`t convey the meaning/message of this thread or the intent of this thread eloquently enough but I don`t see what`s so hard about sticking to the topic.
PS. If someone is posting about a particular product and you prefer something different. Start a thread about the product you want to discuss and or fire off a p/m to that person and tell them what you found or think. Don`t post a thread in his subject matter with a different product unless he requests other brands and or products. Rick

**detailman** · 01-12-2006, 08:21 AM

I can`t agree more rabbi. I`ve been mostly lurking for almost 3 years and have seen some of the best members leave or stop posting in frustration over people who can`t just respect the rules of the forum. It is simple to find...just look up on the screen. back to lurking!!!

**Luster** · 01-12-2006, 08:32 AM

It`s kind of like that game where you whisper in the next persons ear and, by the time it gets back to you it`s completely off-base... it`s called human nature.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 01-12-2006, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by rabbi

PS. If someone is posting about a particular product and you prefer something different. Start a thread about the product you want to discuss and or fire off a p/m to that person and tell them what you found or think. Don`t post a thread in his subject matter with a different product unless he requests other brands and or products. Rick

Sorry to say, but I think that particular request is slightly unreasonable. If we`re discussing a certain product, and the subject of using it for fixing a certain defect comes up, I`m definitely going to mention if there`s a product that works better. And yes, I`m going to do it publically, as part of the thread -- because if it is done via PM, ok fine that helped one person, but there are more people who would benefit from the information that didn`t get it.

Now, if you`re saying that a new thread should be started, and then linked to in the original thread, that I can deal with. But to say "take it to PMs if it even sways a little bit off topic" I think is a bit unreasonable because it means someone would need to spend all day writing PMs to 50 members who want info, when everyone on the board might be interested in having it posted publically. And not linking to it, like I said it makes the chances high that people still won`t see it unless it is mentioned in the original thread.

**cwcad** · 01-12-2006, 08:59 AM

Rabbi, of course you are right about this. Getting off topic on posts is something that I personally have done albeit with the best of intentions. Will work to stay on topic.

Yet, I do not mind a little opinion in a thread either. What seems to bother me the most is.... when someone gets off topic and it is pointed out to them, they become so incensed. If you are off topic... just stop. Admit it. Then go on from there. That is what I will do.

**rabbi** · 01-12-2006, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

Sorry to say, but I think that particular request is slightly unreasonable. If we`re discussing a certain product, and the subject of using it for fixing a certain defect comes up, I`m definitely going to mention if there`s a product that works better. And yes, I`m going to do it publically, as part of the thread -- because if it is done via PM, ok fine that helped one person, but there are more people who would benefit from the information that didn`t get it.

Now, if you`re saying that a new thread should be started, and then linked to in the original thread, that I can deal with. But to say "take it to PMs if it even sways a little bit off topic" I think is a bit unreasonable because it means someone would need to spend all day writing PMs to 50 members who want info, when everyone on the board might be interested in having it posted publically. And not linking to it, like I said it makes the chances high that people still won`t see it unless it is mentioned in the original thread.

I do a thread on product A tire dressing. I say I like it alot.
You like product B tire dressing better. You do a thread on that product.Why will more people see my thread than yours? Also if you`re so inclined you can send me a P/M telling me why you like product B better. You don`t have to P/M 50 or so people when you can post your own thread and people can read it.

**Bob** · 01-12-2006, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by rabbi

I do a thread on product A tire dressing. I say I like it alot.
You like product B tire dressing better. You do a thread on that product.Why will more people see my thread than yours? Also if you`re so inclined you can send me a P/M telling me why you like product B better. You don`t have to P/M 50 or so people when you can post your own thread and people can read it.

I agree with this. Now, if someone posted, what do you like better, product A or B? That would be a different story.

**rabbi** · 01-12-2006, 09:39 AM

Yes Bob it would.

**Jngrbrdman** · 01-12-2006, 10:17 AM

What I have a problem with is when someone jumps into the thread and simply posts "XYZ is better" and doen`t offer any other information. That is usually the penny that derails the train. Everybody has to jump him or comment on what product he mentioned. If you came in with constructive feedback on why XYZ is better in your opinion then it wouldn`t be a hijack. It would simply be another facet of the discussion. DC has always been an open place where all products can be discussed, but when you just throw down that your likes should be universally accepted as being the best products in the world, then that is a problem.

Personally I think that if you are surfing DC from your bedroom in your Mom`s house and you are putting off doing your homework and just wish you could find a date then you should have to pass some sort of maturity test before posting on DC.

Sometimes some people`s kids make me roll my eyes. We may be enthusiasts on DC, but we are still mostly adults. If you can`t at least act like an adult then you should probably go do your homework or get a date. I`m not saying that our teen members are all immature dweebs, but we do have some younger guys who need to grow up a bit and realize that every thread is not a **** measuring contest or a pissing match.

**joyriide1113** · 01-12-2006, 10:21 AM

but dont u think starting a new thread would clog up the bored. or even worse. the fmaous

"do a search" response.

**CharlesW** · 01-12-2006, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by joyriide1113

but dont u think starting a new thread would clog up the bored. or even worse. the fmaous

"do a search" response.

No.
The board has lots of room and the famous "Do a Search" response isn`t used that much by most of us.
If I refer someone to another post, I usually try to do the search and post a link for the person looking for information.

Charles

**joyriide1113** · 01-12-2006, 10:39 AM

true. i would actually love to see more traffoc on dc. even if it is same 1 time a month thread "what dressing?"..

it would give me more insight as to what people are seeing withtdurabilty of products, ect.

**Beemerboy** · 01-12-2006, 10:43 AM

WOW

Staying on topic in a public forum? Not going to happen! it can be controlled threw moderation, however I don`t see it happening by people posting their opinions. DC is like a revolving door there are new members coming in daily and some members leaving for various reasons. For the most part I think this forum runs really well, that is because of the members respecting each other and moderation.

You can`t get around someone posting off topic or hijacking a thread. In all the forums that I post online its a VERY common occurrence.

Again I think this of all that I visit is the best and most controlled. Do I think that`s a good or bad thing? Its good because you can learn from what others have to offer in a constructive manner, in another way it can restrict you at times.

My .02

**CharlesW** · 01-12-2006, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by joyriide1113

true. i would actually love to see more traffoc on dc. even if it is same 1 time a month thread "what dressing?"..

it would give me more insight as to what people are seeing withtdurabilty of products, ect.

That probably is something that we aren`t real good about.
We post something about a new product, tool or idea, and then fail to follow up with our thoughts on that product after we have spent some time with it.
An example that I can think of if my "Tookbox Wet/Dry Vac" that I never followed up on. I`ll try to take care of that in the near future.

Charles