Originally posted by Leo Volont


Oh, there is also the problem with people who complain when a Thread goes off subject. Well, it is good if people are talking about ANYTHING. Anybody who wants to bring the Topic back onto Theme can certainly add their Addition to the Line of Reasonings. Instead, the only thing they have to say is that the only people who are willing to write in are not serenading them with what they want to hear. They only write in to complain and criticize.

So I think that all Threads, especially my own, are like Cocktail Parties. They may start with a Theme, but just as long as the guests are entertained is all that really matters. If people are having a lively discussion, who CARES what they are speaking about -- on topic or off topic -- an exchange of ideas is ALWAYS to be encouraged.
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, it is good to pull in other points and discussion within a topic, and I agree Exchange of ideas is always good. However this exchange of ideas needs to me in some way related to the topic. I am sure you will agree with me that is does become annoying when you are say discussing something of a spiritul nature and someone comes in discussing muffins or such!

Something people fail to realize is that after a discussion has run its course, the topic then pretty much takes on the attributes of a library entry. It can be pretty frustrating for someone searching for information on a topic when they have to wade through meaningless off topic posts. It also tends to detract from the credibility and scholorship of those that have made an effort to post intelligently in the topic.

Guess what I am trying to say here is, yes, diverse exchange of ideas is a great thing, but they should in some way support the topic being discussed.