I don't want to be a party pooper... but I'm finding that lots of the threads on the (aussie) forum are turning into chat sessions after the first couple of posts.

I think it is great if we can chat and get to know each other... but I'd also like to be able to keep some threads to discuss real topics.

I'm getting sick of getting a follow-up message to a thread I'm interested in - to find a bunch of off-topic stuff has been added.

What does everyone think? Am I way out of line?

Apologies...if I've lost the plot!

No you're not out of line... and I'm probably guilty of contributing to this at times. We need an aussie rx-8 forum with multiple areas.... or a bit of discipline to go to the lounge when going OT.

Hymee... no offence taken if you tell me to get back on topic.

I'd support this commentary too .... might make sense to have a sticky 'time to chat' post so we can ramble about aimlessly so we can stick to topic on most posts..

Hymee, what do you think?

All of the regional forums go off topic quickly. It's a factor of being "local".

I'm not making excuses though :)

The top menu has a user/cp button, if the thread is going off topic and you find it really annoying, you can unsubscribe a thread in one click.

It'd be nice to have a "local lounge", but we don't at present and you'll notice that a lot of the thread topics are social in nature too.

Personally, I like the light hearted nature.

We could always agree to prefix our topics ... ie; LOUNGE: xxxxxx

msydd:

You're right..

I have fallen into that trap.. time I took my web forum training wheels off..

Time to police the traffic a bit on our own I think..

Less frequency, more value.. on topic?!

++dez;

Ok, I will take the pledge, too. :D

Kev, I reckon the "Lounge" prefix idea is a good one if we're unable to set up our own sub-forums.

I agree that it happens, but I really don't see it as a problem. Real life conversations tend to wander around a bit too. Also, it's not exactly a big deal to scroll through a thread to find any 'meat' - it's not that busy a forum.

When I want more focused discussion then I look for it in the other more dedicated sections of the forums, such as the Tech Garage.

I agree with Kev that this pretty much an inevitable by-product of the 'local' forums. In fact, they are somewhat like pubs or lounges by their very nature. After all, there's very little difference with Australian cars, UK cars or whatever that needs much serious separate discussion that can't be done in the main forums.

While some of the off-topic stuff doesn't interest me at all, I'd much rather see a chatty atmosphere retained than a lot of serious rules. This is the Oz forum after all....

My vote is for leaving it as it is. :)

msydd,

Thanks for bringing up what I think many have been thinking for quite a few weeks now. Threads are barely getting started before they are hijacked by banter which has no relevance to the topic being discussed.

Quality not quantity is what we are after here. I fear we may have scared off many prospective new members in recent weeks by the lack of 'substance' in a lot of the threads.

I'm all for keeping it casual, as long as you are contributing to the topic at the same time. Discussing the RX-8 is why were are here after all isn't it?

Thanks guys.

I am making a consious effort not to be a post Nazi. But I have been disturbed in the last week or so, therefore the other day I did issue a warning.

I am quite pleased to see that this has been picked up by you guys, and discussed openly.

I think we should try and stay on topic as much as possible, to help improve the quality of this place.

I for one spend most of my time in the Aussy forum, and I don't have a real propblem if people put meat in the main Tech Garage (for instance), then perhaps link it in here. I have done that more than once.

Also - I dont mind the little bits of banter that go on now and then, but we just need to be consiencious. Remember - you dont actually win anything of tangible value for you number of posts. The quality of posts will give credibility though, IMHO.

Anyway, I think Dez's new lounge is the ideal place to shoot the breeze.

Cheers,
Hymee

AMEN to the Hymeister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!

The take up in "shooting the shit" in the Hymee's Bar and Grill "Lounge has taken off!

Wish I could open a pub that did so well!

++dez;