Back on topic!

[fos]

After receiving a couple of emails and tolerating too many off topic posts, I have decided to bring this forum back on topic, namely, open source software.

I intend to remove all posts that have anything to do with politics and religion. All other posts need to be positive in nature. It is ok to post problems and flaws in open source software and it's relationship to the more main stream offerings but only in a constructive manner.

Thank you for your understanding.

fos....

[deanlinkous]

Then I assume there is no need for a section with the description of
Not necessarily on topic!

[mdevour]

Dear Jeff,

Having an "Off Topic" section on your forum is usually a good idea. It helps keep the other sections cleaner and often helps build community by giving people a chance to learn more about one another and share bits about their lives and interests.

It's necessary to police such an area carefully, however.

For example, on one forum I visit, the Off Topic section has more posts, threads and total activity than the entire rest of the board combined, and it's NOT a small board! It is often punctuated with loud arguments about divisive topics, usually politics. Worse, it has nurtured personality conflicts and grudges amongst certain members that sometimes bleed into the "upper decks" discussions.

The only reason it's gotten that way is that the owner and sole administrator has chosen to intervene only when the most blatant abuses occur and has made no attempt to mold the tone of the discussion.

That board is still a top notch resource in its field. The benefits of a strong community of friends with common interests is enough to overcome the dissonant strains from below.

For a mailing list I've run for the last 9 years or so I have both a main list and an OT list. I've had to tend it carefully, and everybody knows that their behavior there affects their status on both lists. It has definitely been a help rather than a hindrance.

When I open my forum to replace the list server I will have two off topic areas: One for friendly chit chat and sharing and the other for serious discussions and debate. This will go a long way toward fulfilling the needs of more of my members, as there will be both a quieter place to build friendships and a place for those who like to argue. But each of these will be carefully managed and nurtured for its specific purpose.

The forum owner must be prepared to imprint his personality and values on the community by consistent, quiet persuasion and discipline, often behind the scenes, exercise of his moderator tools, and staff training. Your members will adapt to the expectations you have of them.

I don't know if any of this helps you, Jeff. I offer it for perspective's sake. I'm not sure it's the best thing to eliminate OT discussions entirely. There's always an undercurrent of interest in them that's easier to channel productively than stamp out.

Peace,

Mike D.

[fos]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the constructive thoughts. I guess we are going through a "growth" stage. :)

Bluesdog left a very good foundation for a set of forum rules. We have a very good core set of users here. We just need to fine tune some of the discourse as you clearly state.

I'm sure we can work things out and move forward in a positive manner.

Thanks again, Jeff

[deanlinkous]

I was being positive. really! :)
If we are only discussing GNU+Linux, BSD, OSS and so forth then the forums/catgories we have now should cover everything and no off-topic area is needed, right?

Seems to me the threads in the "too hot to handle" that deal with linux would be in the "news & views" section?

Or maybe the descriptions need to be tweaked a bit?

Not sure why we have a gnewsense section since it is linux?

Okay, I am running off topic again - sorry! :(

[AndreL]

Not sure why we have a gnewsense section since it is linux? I was wondering about that also... Like, it's not a major event or anything... (!?)

[fos]

I was trying to promote a totally open source distribution. If it doesn't develop I'll move the thread to Distro News & Views.

fos....