It has come to my atention that Other Topics have been annoying people around here.
Escpecially topics which bring about heated discussion. For example the war in Iraq.
After reading posts on Gaelic crossings, it seems that some people have decided not to visit this forum any longer because of OT subjects.
As I see it, we are a community here, we come here becuase we share a common interest (whiste), if we all sat together in a pub, would we only discuss whistle topics, or would we (after a couple a pints of the dark stuff) talk about other subjects?
There isnt anything wrong with OTs, or heated discussion, (I learn alot on here reading posts by other people and listening to other peoples views)
As long as other people are not offended by subject lines or posts, and are not insulted during them, I really cannot see a problem.
I am alone here, would more people just like to see whistle subjects? Or…???
I find the people here extremely interesting and I’ve enjoyed reading about other aspects of their lives. I would feel bereft to see the OT threads eliminated.
In addition, although there is the occasional bickering, it appears that people here genuinely like each other and find satisfaction in sharing more than just whistling talk. It’s only natural when people have more than one thing in common for the conversation to drift…and drift…and drift. It’s a GREAT THING!
I, for one, enjoy talking about off-topic discussions. Especially the war in Iraq which is something I am strongly opposed to and find I have many comments about.
As you stated, if all on this board were talking in person - we wouldn’t only discuss whistle related topics.
I think OT posts make a message board far more interesting. . . as long as it’s nothing objectionable or offensive.
There just has to be a balance; a board can’t totally consist of OT posts, yet it can’t be on-topic all the time. There’s gotta be a balance.
As well, I would like to say, Turner, I do like your signature - quite fitting for the US government, in my opinion.
Turner: I pretty much feel the way you do. I think that the OT posts are no problem, assuming that they are marked as such. I know that some folks complain that all of the OT posts make it more diffcult for them to see the whistle related posts, but it isn’t a bother to me, personally.
The other website has OT posts also. Just that they have a seperate place for them. That simply means that while they don’t intermingle with the whistle posts, you still have to do a bunch of scrolling to see all types of posts. To me, it’s “six of one, half a dozen of another.”
Of course, since this is Dale and Rich’s site, it really doesn’t matter what we think- they are free to do with it what they will.
Of course some OT’s are annoying. Many elements of life are annoying. I don’t really mind OT postings as long as the title gives me some clue about the true subject matter. If I’m not interested, nobody is forcing me to read the posting or participate in the discussion. That applies to all postings, Whistle or OT. Naturally, I really don’t care to read abusive, or degrading comments by anyone, I can get that from talk radio.
Some restaurants have menu entries I don’t care to select. I don’t order those items. I don’t boycott the restaruant because of it.
Now then would you like to hear about this big nasty zit I just found on my …, (pinky finger)?
I see you lucked out and did not get posted to Iraq
I got called, April the 15th I should report to Chillwell in the UK, but at the moment theres a good chance that all further reserveists may not be needed. Apparantly they are getting alot of volenteers from the Territorial Army (your national Guard). So I am going to call later in the month see what happens.
I find some of the OT posts tedious but then I just don’t read them. It’s like trying to teach a pig to sing: it frustrates you and annoys the pig. It frustrates me to read frustrating posts and… well… I guess… oh never mind. Besides, it’s easy to figure out what’s OT (Off Topic) and what’s OT (On Topic). Well, maybe not…Sorry, I just got a hair cut and my brain hasn’t recovered yet.
Mike
