This forum

[cerette]

I have a question about this forum:

In the threads here, are we allowed to start discussing other things than the original question (one statement leads to another question and so on and on and on....) OR must we only answer the original question?

Thanks.

[Zecryphon]

I have a question about this forum:

In the threads here, are we allowed to start discussing other things than the original question (one statement leads to another question and so on and on and on....) OR must we only answer the original question?

Thanks.
I have no authority on this forum, but to me threads are like conversations. In the beginning you will address the question or statement of the OP, but then as with all conversations, it will go off on a tangent. Some people object to this, I don't. I think it's great to go off into different areas as the conversation flows. If you just stick to the OP and nothing but the OP, a thread will be very short lived. If this happens, this forum will cease to be a forum where people come to talk and discuss and will be nothing more than a Q & A section.

[Studeclunker]

I have a question about this forum:

In the threads here, are we allowed to start discussing other things than the original question (one statement leads to another question and so on and on and on....) OR must we only answer the original question?

Thanks.

As far as I know the answer is a tentative no. The only caveat being location or denomination. However, to hyjack a thread is against the rules (as far as I know), so there's a limit. Also, sometimes a thread is started to fulfill a particular purpose (information, comfort, etc...) and it would be rather rude to divert from the original subject. When one diverts from the O.P. it opens the way for arguments etc, etc...

Then again, there are threads which are started for general conversation. An excellent, and incidentally very successful example, is Seajoy's kitchen (I think I'll sit down here for a bit...). The only requirement requested is to keep the conversation light and courteous. Seajoy is on her sixth or seventh turnover.

One thing that could be done is to start another, related thread, on a new, though related, subject. This fulfills the need to keep a particular thread on track and allows the diversion of a topic to another direction. One can post a link and request discussion in the other direction in the new thread.;)

I'm no expert, and if anyone feels I've erred, please feel free to call me a Dumb... um...:o bell and set the record straight.

I hope this helps. Your posts have been largely excellent, Cerette, and I look forward to hearing from you here in the future as well.

[DaRev]

I think it depends on the person who starts the thread. If they don't mind the conversation going with the flow, then it's generally OK. Sometimes the OP will request that the thread remain on topic and that's OK, too. In the event a discussion starts to wander, another thread can always be started to address the new topic.

Then of course there's the Alehaus which is for anything and everything. We don't like theological discussions going on in there. That's mainly for fellowship.

[cerette]

OK thanks for the replies & explanations!