Post by Admin1 on Jan 4, 2016 5:15:29 GMT
Thread drift is a normal part of any message board. A conversation can start out on one subject and over time drift out to a more generalized topic--like a conversation the the 7th's pack mules might become a conversation about pack mules in general. Other times a topic can be a general topic and become very focused on one aspect of the conversation--like a conversation on logistics of supply becoming focused on Custer's mules versus Cooke's. Both drifts are just expected.
However sometimes a conversation can take a right turn and no longer fit the focus of the original topic-again using the mule for an example a topic about the 7th's Mule train becoming about the supply transport in WWI. Both conversations belong on this board but not together. At that point I like to split the conversation into individual conversations. Of course whether to split off topic conversations depends a great deal in where it is happening. General Chit Chat and After action reports should be allowed to sort of free float--but in more dedicated areas like the Stands in Timber or Command and Control, I would prefer a tighter conversation line.
I would like to establish a guideline on when we should and shouldn't divide something up. I was thinking along the line of 24 hours of steady conversation on the new topic without returning to the original subject or perhaps 10 or more messages. I have to admit that it may be more of a you-know-it-when-you-see-it type of thing. Please feel free to make suggestions.
In the future when I do split a conversation, I would like leave just single message with a link in the original area to where the off topic conversation went. Any further comments, like if I had to delete or edit messages will be made down here so that everything can get back to normal ASAP. If I do edit, move or delete a message (other than my own) I will try to leave an explanation. I don't want anyone to feel that moderation is either heavy handed or arbitrary.
Also I'd like it if someone feels a conversation would be better divided into separate topics before I notice them--give me a heads up here.
Thanks
However sometimes a conversation can take a right turn and no longer fit the focus of the original topic-again using the mule for an example a topic about the 7th's Mule train becoming about the supply transport in WWI. Both conversations belong on this board but not together. At that point I like to split the conversation into individual conversations. Of course whether to split off topic conversations depends a great deal in where it is happening. General Chit Chat and After action reports should be allowed to sort of free float--but in more dedicated areas like the Stands in Timber or Command and Control, I would prefer a tighter conversation line.
I would like to establish a guideline on when we should and shouldn't divide something up. I was thinking along the line of 24 hours of steady conversation on the new topic without returning to the original subject or perhaps 10 or more messages. I have to admit that it may be more of a you-know-it-when-you-see-it type of thing. Please feel free to make suggestions.
In the future when I do split a conversation, I would like leave just single message with a link in the original area to where the off topic conversation went. Any further comments, like if I had to delete or edit messages will be made down here so that everything can get back to normal ASAP. If I do edit, move or delete a message (other than my own) I will try to leave an explanation. I don't want anyone to feel that moderation is either heavy handed or arbitrary.
Also I'd like it if someone feels a conversation would be better divided into separate topics before I notice them--give me a heads up here.
Thanks
