Why no Off-Topic section?

[jeffrey]

This forum really needs one!

One of the things I realized at Jacks Bday party in Dallas is, I post with all these people here on this forum but know nothing about them.

I can't tell you how many people I met I shared common interests with. It made me quickly realize that there's no way for us to simply converse as a community on this board, which is sort of a shame.

There's some great people here with a lot to offer other than just their love for EBMM products (not that only that is a bad thing).

It would probably clear up a lot of the bass/guitar section double-posting for (a lot of what's) clearly OT (like this post).

Anyway, Roburado's post had me thinking so I figured I'd post it.

Hope I don't ruffle any feathers, I'm not meaning to.

 

[Colin]

every thread goes of topic anyway

 

[jeffrey]

Maybe they wouldn't!

 

[CudBucket]

I agree. I think it would be useful. I have to imagine though, there may be a specific reason one hasn't been created.

 

[francric]

becareful what you wish for..........................

 

[pauldogx]

I suspect it is because this is a manufacturers forum--albiet a very friendly one---and as such has a rather narrow focus(EBMM) compared to other forums.

 

[Paul Warren]

I'm biased against off-topic forums for places like this as I think it takes the focus off of what everybody is here for. I have participated in off-topic forums (like mp.com) but it seems that 95% of the topics posted are complete nonsense. For those who want to participate seriously and get to know others, they have to sift through topics like "does your dog have B.O.?" and "should I date my sister?". I see the benefits of an off-topic section, but the negatives grossly outweigh it, I think. The political and religious stuff that will be posted (even if there are rules against it) is enough to drive lots of visitors away from the site entirely. I know I was running ads on a local music forum and I pulled them after seeing the amazingly offensive posts in the off-topic section. I just didn't want my company name on the same page as the nonsense that was appearing there. And I suspect many companies, like EB, probably don't want to moderate the unbelieveable stuff that dominates forums like that. It's stricter around here, which is good, but I think there would be lots of bans and people getting bent out of shape over it etc. I've received enough personal hate mail from people I've banned on jp.com and that is a fairly narrow focus with just 2 open forums. I think this place would do much better than most with being respectful to one another, but even then, it's the internet. Just my thoughts...

paul

 

[TonyEVH5150]

It seems like most of the off topic threads we get here have to do with guitar/bass related equipment (amps, effects, etc.). What about the General Music Discussion thread? Would topics like these be out of place if they were posted there?

 

[Astrofreq]

"should I date my sister?".

I don't think you should date your sister. It's not a good idea.

Was that off topic?

 

[Big Poppa]

no plans for ot section....Myspace works great for that.

 

[jeffrey]

Well, I guess.

This community isn't like every other community IMO. These people are unique with an unrivaled respect for one another (in comparison to just about every other online community I've been a part of).

I just thought it was a little sad to have all these people that can only share their common interests together at BP's shindigs.

 

[bovinehost]

Off topic posts and most thread hijacks are tolerated and, in some cases, enjoyed by all. We're not that picky, are we? Nah.

What you get with an OffTopic section is trouble. Politics, religion, sex, family values, certain brands of dog food, stain removers - these can lead nowhere good!

At least not on a manufacturer's official forum. I enjoy arguments and discussions and have pretty strong opinions on just about everything, but this is not the place.

Right?

Jack

 

[jeffrey]

Okay fine.

*bows down to Jack*

I could start a forum just for EBMM bs chat, but I doubt anyone would sign up.

 

[phatduckk]

Hope I don't ruffle any feathers

 

[candid_x]

On another special interest site I frequent, the owner created an Open Space for OT discussions, to avoid messing topic related threads up with personal differences and getting too far off track. Before long there were political arguments raging and bad feelings among forumites. A couple of us old timers managed to chill the environment again (it’s for the most part an un-moderated forum), but it took nearly a year to get the point across that OT didn’t mean ruining the spirit of the forum for everyone else.

That said, I can appreciate where Jeffrey’s coming from, and would be happy to join a less focused group of EBMM fans to talk about whatever. Sometimes it's nice to be able to stretch a little more than focused topic forums allow.

my 2 pence

 

[Big Poppa]

THis thing is hard enough to handle...Its prety fun isnt it? It aint broke!

 

[Colin]

the best part of hanging here is talking about EBMM to people that share the same interest. I like the neutrality

 

[lenny]

no sir not broke in my opinion, this is the easiest forum i have ever navigated some of them have a section for ,this forum is clear and easy to get around with a crazy vibe which is very friendly and very informitive and the fact of the matter is the reason why i am here is to discuss EBMM stuff ,when i want to know about pedals and amps i go to the gearpage etc ....plus we have a current events and a general music discussion section as well
this forum rocks!
again just my 2cents worth