| How should off-topic postings be handled? |
| Edit the message with a warning comment |
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22% |
[ 2 ] |
| Add a new message to the thread, stating that it has gone OT |
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44% |
[ 4 ] |
| Do nothing. Let everyone handle it themselves. |
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33% |
[ 3 ] |
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| Total Votes : 9 |
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Replicant
Moderator
Joined: 01 Nov 2006
Posts: 744
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 Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:40 pm Post subject: Off Topic threads |
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I'm interested in your opinions on handling threads that go off the original topic.
I can understand why this is of concern, but on the other hand, it is a natural element of conversation, whether in face to face conversations or online. We start talking about the weather, then the hurricane bearing down on Baja, then a vacation you had in Baja, then that trip I had to Belize (I'm dreaming here, of course  )
At some point we're off topic. It's obvious when it happens abruptly, but in other cases it's more gradual.
As a volunteer moderator, what would you like me to do? You realize, of course, that I only check this a few times a day, because I work, eat, sleep, watch too much TV, etc. So it's very likely that I will miss the exact point that the thread goes OT.
Would you be offended if I step in and tell you to take your conversation to a new topic? What if there's a brand new user involved? Is it worth the risk of scaring them off?
I'm not happy at all with the thought of deleting a post. I try to reserve that for very serious policy violations (spam, porn, etc). So I'm not including that as an option.
I can edit your posts, though, and insert a comment.
I cannot move your posts to new topics.
I cannot lock discussion threads.
So here's a little poll. If I've missed any options, please respond here.
_________________
Replicant
Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T2c, NXMX, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 (and thereafter) <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com |
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Replicant
Moderator
Joined: 01 Nov 2006
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject: One more thing |
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I don't want to understate the complexity of trying to course-correct OT threads.
Consider two people, A and B.
A posts a question about, let's say, the best hospital in New York.
B responds with a suggestion. "By the way, " B writes. "Ever hear about Dr. Smith? He's at that hospital. He did my surgery. I wish that had worked out, but I had to have IGRT later on."
A: "IGRT, what's that?"
B: starts to explain about IGRT.
Substitute whatever you like for IGRT: protons, Cyberknife, HIFU, hot peppers, grandma's chicken soup, whatever.
The thread is now OT from the original subject.
Do you folks think the moderator should jump in? What if this happened further down the line, with participant C, D, or E?
Should it apply only to times when someone turns the discussion to a topic that people find tiresome or disagreeable? (That's a rhetorical question).
Who should take the initiative to bring the thread back on topic? Me, as moderator? The original poster? Anyone? (Bueller?)
I'm interested in what EVERYONE has to say about this, regardless of your gender, whatever your views on treatment choices. Please post your ideas and respond to my poll.
One last thing: don't dare take this off topic.
_________________
Replicant
Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T2c, NXMX, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 (and thereafter) <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com |
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Jean222
Senior User
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 249
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| Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:39 pm Post subject: Re: Off Topic threads |
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Tough decisions!
As you pointed out, it's all part of a conversation to go OT.
Please tell us about your dream about Belize? 
As long as a thread isn't being totally misdirected, it usually gets back OT.
My suggestion, let it be until/unless it gets over the top, then redirect it.
Hope that helps. Belize huh?? Must have been great! 
Jean |
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Hawk
Senior User
Joined: 22 Nov 2006
Posts: 406
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject: Call Them Like You See Them |
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As the administrator of a medical support forum I have experienced the complexity of this problem/tendency. You are correct that there is no easy answer. Much as a Judge cannot have a pat sentence but needs some leeway depending on circumstances, you need the same thing.
Usually a gentle reminder should do, not to Hijack some searching soul's topic. Blatant repeat offenders need more.
If the topic originator moves with the discussion then it is not really off topic at all.
Sorry Replicant, but this is your judgment call. We all trust and support you here. Our support is part of the our payment for the debt we owe you for your service. Call them like you sincerely see them and we are with your no matter which end of the call we happen to be on.
Hawk
_________________
History: PSA's 6.7 neg. biopsy - PSA 16.6 neg. biopsy - PSA's 8.2, 8.1, 8.7 - Biopsy. 4+4 Gleason 8. Lap RP Apr 2004, age 52 All neg margins, nodes, and structures. (T2a). Post RP PSA: every 6 mo. <.1 until Feb, 08 (46 mos) PSA .1 - I then got sensitive tests (all in 2008) showing:
Feb .06, May .09, Jun .10, Aug .10, Nov .15 -SRT |
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