Re: People who go off-topic
This section is moderated by Director and the Admin team. There is another section for Complaints/Moderation issues.
But, i will try to answer your question since it doesn’t concern any one section in particular. Firstly, the members are warned. Often if there are more than one off-topic posts, then some posts may be removed and a general note or warning left within the thread which should serve as an open notice/warning to all participants to remain on topic. But, at some point if the discussion loses its original spirit and becomes too irrelevant, then a thread maybe closed to clean up, or permanently locked if the thread has served its purpose.
Another reason why some thread may be seen locked is that the thread starter can request the sub-forum moderator to close the thread. In which case, the request is honored and thread maybe closed.
So, at best you as a member should report any posts that are offtopic or maybe derailing the discussion and then the moderator(s) can take proper action on it. Often to counter an offtopic post, another member may unintentionally counter it, and that initiates an entirely different conversation.
A few possibilities when there are overwhelming offtopic posts found in any thread:
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Thread maybe cleaned up, and all irrelevant posts moved to Review. Thread re-opened.
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Thread closed permanently if the purpose has been served and discussion deemed conclusive.
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Thread maybe split, so the second offtopic discussion that was started can be continued in a separate thread of its own and allow the first thread to remain topical. This occurs if the original thread has not already been discussed to the core, and can be further discussed.
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Thread is requested closed by the threadstarter.
It is done at the discretion of your fellow moderator(s), so it always a good idea to get in touch with the concerned moderator(s) and seek a resolution. Secondly, report any posts which are irrelevant or offtopic, but do not indulge in irrelevant discussion yourself and if you are participating, remain on topic because it will encourage others to follow suit.
I hope that answers your question. 