Creating new threads

[Beach Runner]

In reference to Kurt's comments on the "A Question about the Food Forum" thread, I have some questions.

I don't really know the rules for starting new threads since this is the only message board in which I participate. I know that an aside that is not totally related to the thread can create a tangent that can get out of control. I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of that. The problem I have is, do I create a new thread, further fragmenting the posts on the board? Even we regulars have trouble keeping up with all of the threads. It might be redundant to create a new thread when an appropriate one already exists. But since there's no thread index, it takes too much time to research whether or not a relevant thread already exists. Also, for some reason, I feel a little scared about starting a new thread for fear that it's like having a party that no one shows up to.

Also, if someone makes an off-thread comment to me that I feel obligated to answer, I feel rude to say that I can't answer their question on the current thread. And again I'd have to research the existing threads to make sure that I don't start a new one that's redundant, and then respond to the question posed to me after doing my thread research.

If the threads get too fragmented, that's just as difficult for me keep up with as the tangents.

So, Kurt, I sincerely would appreciate some pointers. Is it possible to have a thread index? I realize it would be impractical for you to go back and edit out all tangents. but hopefully most of the posts on a particular thread would be related to the topic (except maybe in the lounge - LOLOL).

Thanks.
BR

 

[John R]

i'd use the search function to see if there's a subject that already exists. closest thing to the index you're looking for.


jr

 

[Beach Runner]

i'd use the search function to see if there's a subject that already exists. closest thing to the index you're looking for.


jr

That's what I always do, but then I usually get an overwhelming number of hits. I would have to quit my job just to have the time to check them out! JK.:funn:

 

[Smiling JOe]

BR, you are supposed to make time in your day to read all of the posts in all of the threads so that you know what is said and whether or not you are being redundant.

Seriously, forget about the party with no one showing up. I doubt that could ever happen here. If your new subject is off topic of current thread, begin a new one. For example, if the Thread Title is, "Vice Pres shoots a Lawyer," and you want to post something about an ice skater in, or out of, the Olympics, you should begin a new thread. (hint, hint to those listening). It really shouldn't matter that it is the lounge or if other people have posted on skaters before you in that thread. Refer back tot the title and the original post.

I am no one to talk, but this sounds logical to me. I often forget the basics.

 

[Mermaid]

For example, if the Thread Title is, "Vice Pres shoots a Lawyer," and you want to post something about an ice skater in, or out of, the Olympics, you should begin a new thread. (hint, hint to those listening).

Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants, I know you're talking about me! Although I have to admit that my Michelle Kwan tangent on the Dick Cheney thread pales, absolutely pales, in comparison to your cononoscopy/colosomy mixup on Kimmifunn's Spring Break thread. ;-)

 

[Smiling JOe]

Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants, I know you're talking about me! Although I have to admit that my Michelle Kwan tangent on the Dick Cheney thread pales, absolutely pales, in comparison to your cononoscopy/colosomy mixup on Kimmifunn's Spring Break thread. ;-)

...hence my disclaimer that I am not one to talk or set the example. ;-)

 

[John R]

i agree with both of the above, but i also hold to my position as well. since this is a social board(more than not) and not a subject specific board, e.g. taping, audio, lighting, etc., the tangents can get get pretty off topic, especially when some post "me too" and "you're so smart " type posts. we don't need 3-4 "michelle kwan resigns from the olympics" threads, that's why i suggested the search function.

a great video used on many boards. answers many questions

a great article: http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

the table of contents, some don't apply here, but most do on pretty much every BB:

Table of Contents

Translations
Disclaimer
Introduction
Before You Ask
When You Ask

Choose your forum carefully
Web and IRC forums directed towards newbies often give the quickest response
As a second step, use project mailing lists
Use meaningful, specific subject headers
Make it easy to reply
Write in clear, grammatical, correctly-spelled language
Send questions in accessible, standard formats
Be precise and informative about your problem
Volume is not precision
Don't claim that you have found a bug
Grovelling is not a substitute for doing your homework
Describe the problem's symptoms, not your guesses
Describe your problem's symptoms in chronological order
Describe the goal, not the step
Don't ask people to reply by private e-mail
Be explicit about your question
Don't post homework questions
Prune pointless queries
Don't flag your question as ?Urgent?, even if it is for you
Courtesy never hurts, and sometimes helps
Follow up with a brief note on the solution

How To Interpret Answers

RTFM and STFW: How To Tell You've Seriously Screwed Up
If you don't understand...
Dealing with rudeness

On Not Reacting Like A Loser
Questions Not To Ask
Good and Bad Questions
If You Can't Get An Answer
How To Answer Questions in a Helpful Way
Related Resources
Acknowledgements


jr

 

[Kurt]

Thanks John!

Tangents are normal and a few off topic comments here or there are not a problem. Just try to be aware and use a little common sense.

In the lounge anything goes and it doesn't matter where the topic heads. However if anyone feels differently, feel free to steer the conversation if you like.

This is from an earlier thread:

I REALLY DO appreciate help in the other forums with people posting helpful info and discussing topics.

If you have something to say that's off topic or chatty, please do it in the lounge.

It's real easy. For instance, if helmethead happens to post on a fishing thread that he always stays in Dune Allen and you want to ask him just how big is his head, then you go to the lounge and you start a new topic with the title "helmet head, how big is it?" and then in the body you ask him "just how big IS your head"?

BUT - I do not want all the funn removed from the other forums.

And Miss Silly Kitty - I locked the real estate thread because of the intitial post not because of your comment! And I am not going to change someone's name because you ask me to - that is up to that person. If someone asked me to change your name to Miss Doggy, I would not do so.

BR - the reason I suggested starting a new thread is because you posted a recipe that would be buried in a thread about something else. Why not start a new thread for the recipe with an appropriate subject so others can enjoy it? Now wouldn't that be special?

 

[Teresa]

tangents are my favorite things on the board. many threads end up being way off subject (SJ's infamous colonoscopy) in a silly way, and then they either get back on track or the thread just peters out... this is normal.

but I understand that if you want to discuss another subject that is unrelated to the thread, then just start a new thread.

I love this from Mermaid:

Okay, Mr. Smarty Pants, I know you're talking about me! Although I have to admit that my Michelle Kwan tangent on the Dick Cheney thread pales, absolutely pales, in comparison to your cononoscopy/colosomy mixup on Kimmifunn's Spring Break thread.

 

[Mermaid]

tangents are my favorite things on the board. many threads end up being way off subject (SJ's infamous colonoscopy) in a silly way, and then they either get back on track or the thread just peters out... this is normal.

but I understand that if you want to discuss another subject that is unrelated to the thread, then just start a new thread.

I love this from Mermaid:

Smiley J did start a widespread panic with that one, didn't he?????