Pandoras Box

I, too, originally replied to this thread and I have copied my response in here as well.

Although relatively new to this site, I agree that the “off topic” label needing further classification – so as not to waste a very valuable commodity (called time). I have stopped opening all “off topic” links just so I can enjoy the beauty and wisdom of those that still contribute.

-- Raymond, Charlotte, NC -------- Demonstrate the difference!

Soooooooooo, what exactly does nonshop/off topic mean to you guys? If LJ’s is a woodworking site then off topic must refer to nonwoodworking. Pretty simple, guys. Browse one of the other 12 woodworking forums and make yourself happy. You’re not going to find anything to suit you in nonshop talk. BTW, name the “many long time woodworkers” that have left because of nonshop talk. Go ahead, I dare you…

-- I would drink a river of the kool aid before I took the smallest sip of the tea...

DKV, what exactly are you contributing to this woodworking website? You have posted 2 projects from what I can see and the last one was over 70 days ago.

-- Stuart

For one Cessna pilot, Dennis in Denmark no longer posts, and others because of their absence I cannot recall their names. But I bet others do. And why is this a concern to you? Many posters have questions that are off topic, that do refer to woodworking that are not listed in topic category.
To quote you “Fear Stupidity and Backward Thinking” kind of fits your reply.

-- honing my craft one mistake at a time.

So, I thought about your post for a while…

If you never again clicked on a non-shop talk forum post what would you miss?

-- Steve - Impatience is Expensive

“off topic” should have a qualifier i.e. “political” so we would know before to open or igno”

Once again as has been Posted a number of times. You Can Make That Happen!!

If you want to know what’s in “Non-Shop Talk” before you open it go to the “Pulse Page” click and set it to ”hide off topic titles” and they will ALL now SHOW their Contents as you browse through them instead of “Click To See Topic”

Don’t want to see? Don’t click on it. Below is a Screen Capture of the Upper Right Corner of the “Pulse Page” (Mine)

See where it says.. “hide off topic titles” that means Mine is set to “show off topic titles” Why they didn’t say “show/hide non-shop talk titles” is beyond me It also sounds Backwards. Something like “Watch” and “Unwatch”.

”Many posters have questions that are off topic, that do refer to woodworking that are not listed in topic category”.

They will be if “Whoever chooses to do so” does as mentioned and shown. I’m assuming “off topic” is the same as “Non-Shop Talk” which it is.

IMHO I tink it’s a little “DUMB” to not just show the Titles in the First Place. Why do they apparently need to be “Censored”? Family Site??? PHFFTT!
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-- ENJOY YOURSELVES GUYS!!!

I’ve seen this topic more then once and the more thought I put into it, my suggestion is to just get rid of the “off topic” category all together, hence the website label (Lumberjocks) means just what it refers too anything that is related to wood working, that would solve all of these threads and bring comradery, if someone wants to squirt off about politics and or anything other then wood related topics then go to the proper site for it, it’s pure nonsence if you ask me, and for all of you that disagree with what I am saying don’t waste your breath because I am not up for debate.

-- Randy - If I'm not on LJ's then I'm making Saw Dust. Please feel free to visit my store location at http://www.facebook.com/randy.blackstock.custom.wood.designs

Thanks for your input.

Finding that right balance between freedom and appropriateness is challenging. One of my favourite lines I seem to use a lot is: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” – and, unfortunately some postings fall into the “shouldn’t” category. Trying to keep the site —all of the site—appropriate for all members means that some limitations have to be applied. Simply saying “don’t read this” does not make it ok to post something inappropriate on the site.

We, as always, continue to strive to find the strategies to best achieve the balance.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

“Finding that right balance between freedom and appropriateness is challenging.”

My take on this topic is that LumberJocks is a community, but one that is large and with many variables. I have my own values and thoughts which guide me thru life. I come here to read the content and try to see the thoughts of others and perhaps utilize their suggestions when appropriate. I have no issue with conflicting views on say the wood species or finishing systems, they still offer insight even if they conflict with my views.

I was brought up to believe that politics and religion were not topics for polite conversation as they often lead to heated discussion. I can respect the fact that others have and post non-topic views but they should also respect that others will likely respond, and often opposites attract.

Apologies for not being well written, but it’s early for me after a long night and a high temperature Friday. workday.