I'm lost. It doesn't make sense to me.

[ChasUK 0]

Please explain to me, what is the purpose of locking a thread if people are then advised to continue the conversation in another thread?

What does that achieve other than to create more threads to be locked?

I'm totally confused about that!

[TracyTN 237]

Seems non sensical to me as well, but I may still be sick from the carnival ride.

[LaL 418]

I requested the topic be started in another thread if needed. I also requested 3 times for the bickering to cease.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Sometimes a thread is lost and has gone perpetually off topic. In those cases it can either be "split" into two topics to remove the off topic content, closed, or left alone to continue off topic. The previous thread was off topic almost from the start. Topics in this forum are supposed to be for Site Feedback and not off topic chat. I hope that makes sense.

[William33 110]

Because there is hope that people can actually discuss useful topics. The recently closed thread served no useful purpose whatsoever.

Perhaps in this thread rational discussion?

[rebeccajo 14]

Well I guess it just depends on which posters have more entertainment value than others.

Funny how some are allowed to continually belittle and harass but when others try to call the behavior out, it's a TOS violation.

If it looks like a horse #######, and it smells like a horse #######, then it probably is a horse #######.

[Fandango 1,439]

I actually agree with the OP in this instance.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I am not sure if TOS violation is the best term for closing the other thread but it was off topic and the pinned topic at the top of this forum even specifically states that such threads will be closed and members given the opportunity to restart it (hopefully to not go off topic again).

[ChasUK 0]

Sometimes a thread is lost and has gone perpetually off topic. In those cases it can either be "split" into two topics to remove the off topic content, closed, or left alone to continue off topic. The previous thread was off topic almost from the start. Topics in this forum are supposed to be for Site Feedback and not off topic chat. I hope that makes sense.

OK, that makes sense, but, from whjat I've seen here, rarely does a thread stay completely on topic, and even more rarely is there no bickering. So, shouldn't a lot more threads be closed?

[Fandango 1,439]

So E, just to get this straight...when do you use the invisible and when do you lock a topic? Are there guidelines or is it just a matter of at the time?

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Please explain to me, what is the purpose of locking a thread if people are then advised to continue the conversation in another thread?

What does that achieve other than to create more threads to be locked?

I'm totally confused about that!

Lets be clear about what we are saying. Example:

Post One Starts... posts continue on topic... suddenly a mass of off topic posts occur... Mod asks for it to go back on topic several times ior to start a seperate thread regarding the off topic chatter... more off topic posts continue.... mod locks thread and tells members to start a new thread on the original topic (which had not even been discussed recently) and for people to keep it on topic. The people that discussed the off topic issue and create a thread on the off topic things in the appropriate forum if they like.

This policy is to keep organization. It is not very good to click on a topic that says one things and then is about another all together (has been hijacked). Also this forum specifically is designed for feedback on the site and not off topic chatter.

[ChasUK 0]

Seems to me that it's random choice of which threads get closed, or maybe it's based on the popularity, (or pseudo popularity of the posters that have the upper hand in the bickering.

Sorry if that ruffles feathers but that is what is happening.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Gone,

I think it is more a function of the # of reports rec'd. The mods cant watch every thread.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Sometimes a thread is lost and has gone perpetually off topic. In those cases it can either be "split" into two topics to remove the off topic content, closed, or left alone to continue off topic. The previous thread was off topic almost from the start. Topics in this forum are supposed to be for Site Feedback and not off topic chat. I hope that makes sense.

OK, that makes sense, but, from whjat I've seen here, rarely does a thread stay completely on topic, and even more rarely is there no bickering. So, shouldn't a lot more threads be closed?

of course it is subjective... we have to try to do the best we humanly can and use judgement. No one will always agree. Some forums off topic chatter may be mor acceptable. Int his forum it is not as much since I read every single post and use this as a place to get serious feedback and improvements done on the site. I hope that helps.

Also there is a thread pinned at the top of this forum indicating when things should be closed, moved, etc. If we are missing anything let me know and I will add them to the pinned topic.

So E, just to get this straight...when do you use the invisible and when do you lock a topic? Are there guidelines or is it just a matter of at the time?

See the TOS and this guide:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=322

[Mags 112]

Seems to me that it's random choice of which threads get closed, or maybe it's based on the popularity, (or pseudo popularity of the posters that have the upper hand in the bickering.

Sorry if that ruffles feathers but that is what is happening.

No feathers ruffling.

I close a thread if a.) insults start flying b.) the OP requests it or c.) it has been started deliberately with the express intent to flame.

No preference, I don't care who the OP is, who the flamers are or who was throwing insults. If it fits any of the TOS violations and/or any of my criteria above (which are one and the same really), it'll get closed (after a warning generally).

Edited June 26, 2007 by mags