Off Topic Posts Reminder...

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Just a simple reminder that Off Topic posts (OT) should only be posted in the Off-Topic Forum.

Why? There are a variety of reasons:

- The 911 forum is growing exponentially. Good, valid topics sometimes have a tendency to slip off to the 2nd page sometimes. Increased OT activity will increase and add to this problem.

- Because of the first reason, moderators (like myself) are required to move the OT posts when we see them. OT posts are like graffiti - if you see one, then people begin to think it's okay, and add to the mess. The more work that I have to do moving posts, the unhappier I get.

- The forum is uncluttered and very on-topic. I think that this has been one of the reasons that we have seen this forum grow *exponentially*. On June 27th, we hit 200,000 posts in the 911 forum. I believe that we will hit 300,000 before the year is out. We're currently averaging about 850 posts a day in this forum alone.

I particularly hate OT posts about computer questions. I'm sure the people here don't want to read about how you can't get your scanner to work. Off topic posts go in the off-topic forum.

I'm sure that there are plenty here who disagree with me. Too bad. This forum has grown and prospered under the current set of guidelines, and it appears to be working very well.

Thanks again everyone!

-Wayne

P.S. There are no guidelines for off-topic posts either, it's all subjective and up to the moderators. It also depends upon which threads the moderators see. Sometimes horribly OT posts can languish if none of the moderators see them. This is why you may see some apparent inconsitency in the policy.

Rot 911 · 11-26-2002, 10:55 AM

Isn't this an off topic post? But as long as we are here, does it really do any good to have more than 512meg of RAM?

billwagnon · 11-26-2002, 10:57 AM

384 suits me just fine.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

how'd you upgrade the RAM for your DME? (bringing it back on topic)

old_skul · 11-26-2002, 11:28 AM

I'll RAM your DME.

12own911 · 11-26-2002, 12:40 PM

Wayne, question to you. Would a request for gift ideas for a 911 be considered off topic? I've posted at the off-topic site but am concerned that not enough of the right people will see my post. Please let me know if I should/could have posted on this site.

Thanks!

Kim.

Thomas Owen · 11-26-2002, 12:50 PM

Wayne, I apologize for my earlier off topic post. I can only plead temporary insanity.

bell · bell's Garage

wayne.........perhaps you could put a link to the top of the forum with the 993/996/classifieds for the 911 crowds' off topic posts.
i know it would be an "easy" way to simplify the problem.
just an idea.....any thoughts pelicanheads?

Silveresrty911S · Silveresrty911S's Garage

If you RAM my DME will I be able to go faster?

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

My cat's breath smells like cat food.

BlueSkyJaunte · 11-27-2002, 07:23 AM

My dog's breath smells like cat.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

"I'm sure that there are plenty here who disagree with me. Too bad. "

Ahhhh. It's good to be the King!

-- Curt

Todd Simpson · 11-27-2002, 08:41 AM

My cat's name is Mittens.

targa80 · targa80's Garage

I say we should invade the off topic forum with all Porche content and see how they like it!!!!!!!

Milu · 11-30-2002, 07:43 AM

Most of us don't like post in off topics as it's a graveyard.
Post the same item in OT and in 911 Tech and see the difference in number of views and number of replies.

However, despite all the funny replies above Wayne is obviously right and if we post more on OT it will end up getting a bigger audience.

This, however, would only be a sticking plaster on a broken leg, it would not address the negative aspects of the growing 911 board. I would be against splitting it into smaller boards by model type or creating a specific engine rebuild forum as I think we would be diluting the best board around.

What I think might work is two 911 boards, one purely technical and one for 911 related topics.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I'm not convinced that the board is growing too big for this BBS format. Yes, there are a lot of topics posted, however, it is very easy to scan through and pick what you want to read - I do it all the time. I often look now at page 2 or 3 of the thread listings...

-Wayne

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Oh, and one more thing. The moderators here have been *very* liberal in deciding which topics are OT and which are not. If it's even remotely related to 911s, then it typically remains. Some posts that wouldn't remain would be:

- How do I upgrade windows XP?
- How can I replace my master cylinder on my Acura Legend?
- Who's hotter, Britney or Christina?

Topics that would not be moved to OT:
- How do I post pics to the website using Windows XP?
- Can I use an Acura Legend master cylinder in my 911?
- Hey, a picture of Britney in my Porsche!

-Wayne

Milu · 11-30-2002, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Just a simple reminder that Off Topic posts (OT) should only be posted in the Off-Topic Forum.

Why? There are a variety of reasons:

- The 911 forum is growing exponentially. Good, valid topics sometimes have a tendency to slip off to the 2nd page sometimes. Increased OT activity will increase and add to this problem.

I look at more than page 1 too, and similarly I feel the current format will be fine for a long time to come. I was however, trying to offer input to the problem you highlighted.

john70t · 11-30-2002, 11:46 PM

Against the opinions of many of my porsche-idols, I have to agree.

Some of the best threads get swept off the front page in a matter of hours, and instead of, say, 10 well written/thought out facts/argument threads there are 30 that are all over the spectrum. It may turn people away by having to dig through so many pages to find something of interest. I've also responded to threads on the second pages and they never popped up to the first page.

Also, Trying to find them in the archives becomes rather tiresome as well because the information is spead out amoungst a half-ashed assortment of the same topic revisited again and again.

On the other hand the wealth of information about everything from Valentine1's to Mooney PFMs also pop up now and again that are definitly pcar related, but not specifically tech related. I definitly would not want those to go away.

My suggestion would be more threads (smaller type?) on the first page with required(with a default) color-coded marks (like the pre-thread icons but less and more specific) to signify specific issues (eg:"need help with, here's how I did it, porsche on tv" etc...) so people can scan the board quickly find topics of interest.