It's been quite awhile since I've done any hand smacking.
But I've recently noticed an increased tendency to get off topic lately.
It seems we are having subject changes in the middle of a thread and then replies to the new subject.
That clutters things up and annoys folks coming back to their thread only to find their original topic has been hi-jacked. It's also annoying for those that are searching for information they assume will be related to the topic title only to find lots of unrelated posts.
So, once again, I'm pleading:
1. Please consider whether your reply in a thread answers the specific question that started the topic. "Does my reply address the first post in the thread?" That's key for the original poster and for others. Plus your good information, if it is in a thread that has an unrelated title, won't be found by those seeking that information.
2. If the topic replies generate a new question for you, please start a new topic to ask that question rather than changing the subject in an existing topic. Chances are others have the same question, and can find answers easier if it is in its own topic with a more specific title.
3. I know it's hard, and I'm guilty as well, but try to resist the urge to reply to the unrelated part of a related post. Often a reply partially addresses the original question and then throws in some additional commentary. We get in trouble when we start commenting on that additional commentary.
We have a fantastic resource and fantastic people here, so let's make sure this Forum, your Forum, stays "cleaner" than some of the others out there. Thanks a bunch!
It's been quite awhile since I've done any hand smacking.
But I've recently noticed an increased tendency to get off topic lately.
It seems we are having subject changes in the middle of a thread and then replies to the new subject.
That clutters things up and annoys folks coming back to their thread only to find their original topic has been hi-jacked. It's also annoying for those that are searching for information they assume will be related to the topic title only to find lots of unrelated posts.
So, once again, I'm pleading:
1. Please consider whether your reply in a thread answers the specific question that started the topic. "Does my reply address the first post in the thread?" That's key for the original poster and for others. Plus your good information, if it is in a thread that has an unrelated title, won't be found by those seeking that information.
2. If the topic replies generate a new question for you, please start a new topic to ask that question rather than changing the subject in an existing topic. Chances are others have the same question, and can find answers easier if it is in its own topic with a more specific title.
3. I know it's hard, and I'm guilty as well, but try to resist the urge to reply to the unrelated part of a related post. Often a reply partially addresses the original question and then throws in some additional commentary. We get in trouble when we start commenting on that additional commentary.
We have a fantastic resource and fantastic people here, so let's make sure this Forum, your Forum, stays "cleaner" than some of the others out there. Thanks a bunch!