How to handle off-topic posts?

Feedback, Help and Testing Suggestions and Feedback
1

We have had a few threads about off-topic posts on the FSM forums. Seems there are several ways to respond to these. How about a discussion on that?

One response is to respond with any helpful info you can give and never mention post is off-topic.

Another is to respond as above, except a gentle hint suggesting a better forum.

Another is to just ignore the post as being OT.

Another is just replying that the post is OT and gently suggesting a better forum.

Finally, another is to flame the post and poster (I personally do not believe in this option).

2

not sre if srs

3

“Another is to respond as above, except a gentle hint suggesting a better forum.” This is what I try to do.

4

I will try to answer the question if I could,then suggest a better place for the topic.you really need to direct them to the more appropriate forum so that they can get the attention of more and get more answers

5

I usually ignore OT posts. Most times, too, if the subject is something less than informative like “I have a question” or “Looking for a part” or anything similarly vague. I guess some folks think that everybody reads every single thing. It’s not like they don’t have room to mention what they want.

6

If I can I just help. Otherwise it’s jelly sandwiches for all. Wait a minute…

( I have been waiting forever to use this smiley face)

7

What?

8

i mean is it that much of an issue?

9

Its good to remind the poster he/she is in the wrong forum. Most of the time its a New member/poster so I’ll try to be helpful at the same time.

10

Yes, in the Forum feedback and testing section, its an issue.

11

Shouldn’t this be in the “FSM Ready Room”???

[6]

12

Not the Ready Room. But I think Suggestions and Feedback is a good home.

13

It depends. You want a thread to stay on topic, but on the other hand, normal conversations will wander a little. In my own posts, I’ll respond or ignore, depending.

If it’s a thread that is in the wrong forum, I’ll bring it to the moderators’ attention and ask if it wouldn’t be better in a different place.

14

Lifetime ban for the offender!

15

Well … That means i’m screwed!

16

I just love the casual way you put that!

Though seriously, I just ignore them. If nobody replieys to Off Topic posts, then the Poster would probably not post again. I suppose it depends on the situation more than anything.

17

I have had that happen on this web sight . Posted some thing in the wrong forum some pointed me to another I thanked them for pointing me in the right direction and that was that.

18

Don,

I would say all you responses are acceptable with the exception of the last one.