This forum topic is being opened under the heading of GENERAL DISCUSSION and that's exactly what it is... a discussion. This is not a proposal.
I want to have others submit comments about the advantages/disadvantages, pros/cons, reasons for/reasons against this idea I have.
There is an occasional prompt from web masters and other participants to keep threads on topic, yet threads so often drift into other territory way the heck off topic.
I have explained that the fundamental question is whether a thread is formal or informal.
A formal thread by definition would cling to the posted topic.
An informal thread would resemble an ordinary human conversation, branching off to related topics or ideas that pop up.
Hey, this website has had "forums" and "blogs," but when I asked "what is the difference," I was told, "It's not written in stone... post either way."
Well then, how about forgetting about "blogs," and having two classes of forum:
FORMAL - Threads about a linear topic that sticks to the subject;
INFORMAL - Threads that can freely skip from here to there or anywhere else; a "stream of consciousness."
If we had such a distinction, BOTH ways of discourse would become available and we would look smart.
Comments now open.
I suppose your post was inspired by my post found here: http://www.part15.us/comment/34809#comment-34809
The value I see in keeping posts made to an existing thread close to or on topic is that it makes for easy reading for someone who chooses to view the thread and read about and/or post on the subject without being pulled off into topics not related to the thread. It also makes searching for a particular topic easier. That being said, there is no enforcement of this except for what was intended to be a gentle reminder.
Some sites which I visit enforce this rigorously. My comment was just a suggestion. On one other site the moderators move off topic posts to new threads of their own. To do so here is nearly impossible because of the way the inner working of the site is constructed and is not something I am interested in doing anyway. One suggestion is that when the content of a thread brings to mind another topic then a new thread on that topic can be started and even referenced back to the original thread via a link if desired. This would have been useful in the "Birdfeeder Ground" thread where we (me too) drifted off to a discussion of coils. Who, looking for coil information, would think to go to a Birdfeeder thread?
The friendly quips and banter within threads are actually quite nice and becoming so "formal" that these are out of place is not a good thing but when this results in a long string of posts off topic from the original post then it becomes confusing.
Regarding an "informal" section, I don't think it is needed but this is based on my browsing habits whereby I log in and go directly to the recent posts section to keep up with the recent "news". This is probably not how a new member or a visitor looking for specific information would do this since they would probably go directly to a topic section.
That being said, is the question on the table about the content of what is posted (i.e. related to part 15 radio or not) or is it about how the topics within a thread are relevant to that thread (i.e. going from enforcement to Gilligan's Island to Mr. Magoo) or perhaps both? My comment was directed a the second and not the first.
Historically this site has been for topics pertaining to part 15 radio and it has not been a general discussion forum on other subjects. We need not adhere to this and could establish a "Lounge" section where anything within reason (such as seeking advice on replacing a water heater) can go. What does everyone think about this?
Carl has invited comments here and I hope you will take him up on this and post your thoughts.
Neil
I like the idea of a Lounge section (although it's really just renaming the General Discussion section). It keeps things nice and simple.
So, some would like to have a place where casual conversation could take on many facets as opposed to the linear representation of a specific topic without deviation (not to be confused with a type of modulation.)
Here's an idea... ALPB members have free access to The ALPB TeamSpeak real time audio chat room. Here you can engage in casual conversation. No hiding behind a keyboard, you can enjoy speaking with others in real time. What a great way to interface with your peers.
As a member you can drop in anytime to see who's around. Better yet, set a schedule with someone or organize a group chat. The ALPB TeamSpeak meetings are on a schedule which may be difficult for some to attend. So, if you want to bounce some ideas around arrange for a time to meet with others which is convenient for you.
Part15.us is THE BEST PLACE for a structured discussion regarding technical issues where a written reference results and is available for others as needed. If you'd prefer a casual real time audio chat - Join The ALPB and enjoy The ALPB TeamSpeak Chat Room.