New Kind of thread

I've seen some threads on a particular subject-say the Foiling 18-become totally side-tracked to the point that the subject matter is no longer relevant to the original posts.
Could there be a new kind of thread devised where the subject matter MUST
remain relevant to the first post or first few posts? In order to NOT add to
Jeff's workload maybe the thread starter could be empowered to "regulate" the thread as long as some way could be found to assure that opposite opinions were always tolerated. What would happen is that if two people in a thread on foiling started talking about how to paint their car those posts would be removed(or moved) by the thread starter.
My concern is that some people may use "censorship" to PREVENT a subject
that the poster feels IS relevant from being posted in a particular thread.
I don't know the whole answer but it sure would be great to be able to have a way to keep certain threads focused-and not destroyed by irrelevant banter. Any ideas?

[safewalrus]

Whilst I can appreciate your often frustation with 'wandering' threads the forum must to a certain extent remain self governing! Looking at conversation in general you must agree that between even closely affiliated people things do tend to wander - especially if for some reason the subject matter does not hold the attention of the people involved then it will, naturally wander! It is therefore up to the actual members to keep the conversation on interesting and on track. Any censorship such as you propose will unfortunately have the reverse effect and result in people leaving the forums - not quite what was intended is it?

[masalai]

I think Yahoo has a capacity where you can pull/remove posts, as the thread starter, that are "off topic" - see that stuff on building and testing "aitkins" tunnel hull against another hull... That guy boat-building in the Philippines - bloody memory recall malfunction - anyhow, you know who I mean?

[Sean Herron]

Hello...

My grandmother still owns a 1968 Chevelle - it is green - I am not sure whether I want it or not...

My tomatoes are doing well indoors - just got home from crabbing in an old Donzi...

Perhaps just politely ask the offender to STFU - as you would in real life...

SH.

[safewalrus]

He'd probably ignore you mind -he would if it was me..............I'm like that!!

[Paulo.AS]

I too believe that the forum must be self-regulating. But what to do when a guy like He Who Shall Not Be Named hijakcs a thread and other guys keep feeding him with post after post just for fun's sake?

[masalai]

Paulo, when you are walking around town, do you stop and talk with or listen to EVERYONE passing by? I guess not, you maintain your private conversation with your friends, but be aware, sometimes the "interjections" are absolute jewels in relevant value.... At other times a pleasant diversion for the occasional laugh/chuckle is good for the soul....

[Paulo.AS]

Originally Posted by masalai

Paulo, when you are walking around town, do you stop and talk with or listen to EVERYONE passing by? I guess not, you maintain your private conversation with your friends, but be aware, sometimes the "interjections" are absolute jewels in relevant value.... At other times a pleasant diversion for the occasional laugh/chuckle is good for the soul....

You couldn´t be more right, but I think you'll agree that sometimes postings get over the top both in length and content and -no matter how good the chuckle- it starts to be a pain...
Let those who want to share their views in a "General Discussion - No Boats" kind of area so that freedom of thought and speech be not impaired.

[safewalrus]

Conversely if you can't stand the heat get outa the kitchen!!

[masalai]

The thing is, most of the dungeon dwellers are dedicated boaties and often have valid contributions to make - sadly, with ageing and this sick modern society, the young pups seem to think they know everything, and the (us) oldies get put out to graze the unemployment lists. The rest is your concern, so, in politeness, gravitate to the comradeship found in the dungeon, rising occasionally, to the bait, or to bait or for something interesting, or see the silly side of it too - That is life in this sad and confused world....

[Meanz Beanz]

The OP hardly engages on the subject matter, he more makes a judgement on the handle name than the content of the post and evades reply. That kinda invites silliness or attacks.... we like to dump on those that think their pits don't smell. The Chris and Doug show is fun, I'd hate to see them close the dunny door on that one, they need a little stage like Punch and Judy... no?

[Sean Herron]

Hello...

Put the poke on your ignore list - I believe that will filter out posts within your post - maybe - I don't know - I prefer wandering and wondering...

Besides - boats are stupid...

Why would anyone want a job building or designing boats when there are perfectly good paying jobs at McDonalds and Walmart...

Phibizt...

SH.