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Some users have voiced the opinion that the off-topic section holds no place on the OOD community Forum. While a counter-argument could be that the off topic section at least provides a home for topical global discourse, encouraging the hunting & fishing threads to be solely hunting and fishing, I defer to your votes.
Do you want to get rid of the off topic section? Please vote in the comments below or at the poll above.
Thanks folks.
Tough one..I see other forums who have Off topic forums that work well, either they are more civilized or are heavily moderated. Nice to have a place to ask questions about wiring trailers, backwoods skills or best accessory to buy etc etc.
But there is a dark side and as the Animals once sang....it's also a place that has "been the ruin of many a poor boy" HaHa..
I have to say no. It's a members only place and it's useful to have a place to post or talk about really none outdoor topics.
x2 "Liked"Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowwalker
X3. If we got rid of off topic, we would have off topic posts in forums everywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowwalker
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Yes
I'm on another forum where we talk about hunting and dogs. There is an off topic category, but it is rarely used- no politics/religion talk allowed.
Here, MOST of the posts are in the off topic section and few in the hunting, fishing, dogs categories. I think that's sad.
Maybe if there was no Off Topic section this forum would go back to what it once was.
IMHO, the Off Topic section is a good fit !! Perhaps a bit more “moderating “ would be in order...
The way I see it, it's like the Keg offering a vegan menu. Rarely venture there, I'd be surprised if I have more than a dozen post in that section, so wouldn't miss it if it where gone.
^^^^^^^ THIS!! ^^^^^^^ I think we still need a "like" button,too.:moose:Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
Who doesn't like that shot of dopamine when some 'likes' your post HaHa..Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
I think you are making a good point, but You may also be missing a good point as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharon
If the forum members are limited to only talking about hunting or fishing, then one of two things will happen.
1) There is no Off topic section. Off topic gets posted in other sections
2) When members don't have a direct hunting or fishing topic to post/discuss they don't come here.
I think both would decrease not increase use of the forum.
X2 well things seem to have been very civil lately, it may not last.Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
If it wasn't for the off topic section I suspect this forum would have shut down months ago. Its close to the most used section on the entire forum. So it gets out of hand occasionally but it does generate participation.
Off topic section is good, it's nice to know there is a place to discuss something other than hunting or fishing if you choose to do so....
I agree....Quote:
Originally Posted by rick_iles
That's a good idea but to be effective it would have to be strictly policed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharon
And not just in the "Off Topic" section but forum wide.
I think that if you do not want an 'off topic', section, then don't go there. Pretend it does not exist. Why would you presume to tell others what sections are relevant or important to them. Don't like apples , then don't eat them, but please don't tell others they can't..
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
X2 When you and I agree.....:rolleyes:
These are strange days my friend strange days indeed.
:joker::joker:
Suggestion: Maybe the Admin/ IT crew could find a way to restrict the 'Off Topic' forum posts from showing up in the 'Activity Stream'. That would prevent the posts on it from overrunning the rest of the posts on the forum. Sometime good topics get pushed off the radar rather quickly by some of the nonsense that goes on in the Off Topic area.
ie: the great Mask discussion with 338 posts and 34 pages dominated the Activity Stream for days...hard to get another threat going on the other forums.
This in a nutshell.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
If you don't like someone, instead of personal attacks, put them on ignore.
Off topics with opinions from people who enjoy the outdoors with hunting and fishing backgrounds can give a different perspective to problems and ideas others have and can help solve them from past experiences.
And besides, it does sometimes get really interesting in between seasons here doesn't it????
John
I think the off topic is a great place to discuss anything that you can’t find a category listed. I usually use it to ask advice or get opinions from other forum members who may have more experience in a particular topic. I don’t find that I have experienced a lot of rudeness on the site. I guess some people get angry when someone disagrees with them. Myself I’m just here to gain friends and have honest discussions with like minded people.
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The off topic is a great place for asking questions that are not hunting or fishing related. The people on here are very good at helping to solve problems.
Yes Ken, but you have to remember what the original purpose of setting up this forum was. We could have a porno section and have a lot more action here too.Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
Great idea!! That will up the user count LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Sharon
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It is strictly policed :) but once the purpose of the forum is clear we have practically no problems with politics/religion posts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodsman
edited for terrible grammar
Well Sharon I don't think I have ever heard that mentioned around hunting or fishing.
:o
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharon
I posted a pic of a Tom having his way with a Hen once....HaHaQuote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
OMG Turkey .
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
And that's not a Blow Up GW..she's the real thing :)Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
https://i.imgur.com/4LiiwQqm.jpg
I'm kinda young to be seeing stuff like that.
Absolutely not.
The moderation of this site is not sufficient enough to police the garbage that would appear throughout the forum if the OT forum disappeared.
You mean like some of the garbage that goes on when we have an Off Topic forum ?Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
Yes. The moderating on this site is lacking. Our current mods are great, theres just not enough of them.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
I moderate another forum and the direction from the admins there is to use an iron fist. This forum drives me nuts with the way its run sometimes. Duplicate threads when theres literally the same topic right below it, stuff in the wrong section, OT garbage where it doesnt belong etc
Mod is a really tough job because its a balancing act between letting people speak their mind and censorship. Even though I'm well aware of the valid arguments for and against, one thing I have experienced here is that the more you moderate (censor) threads, the less the overall participation in the site is. The exact same thing can be said for letting a topic go full bore. Some members can easily become intimidated by others on a thread and they too will stop posting.
Well directly hunting related.....an OT thing..Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Too true, Sawbill, as you well know. We don't want to get to the point where we're policing and deterring people from participating, but I'd also like to remind everyone that this is Your Community Forum. If you see something that doesn't jive well with you, flag it with your comments to make the moderators and admins aware. We're all responsible for making the Forum the place we want it to be; let's shape it together.Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
You folks are awesome.
"Like" x2agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by MeghanOOD
Other sites Im on some of the mods are the ones stirring the pot then lock up the thread when it goes south, some are straight up bullies. Moderating can be difficult in that there is a juggling act mentioned above and its nice to see a mod on here taking an unbiased approach.
That being said I do believe there should be areas for open discussion for off topics and some of those areas may not get as much moderating as the hunting and fishing areas for good reason. Its some of the "extra stuff" that sets some forums apart from others, and people need to remember to be polite and courteous, all the while allowing others to voice their opinion and contradict others for open and engaging conversation but by no means should there be blame and finger pointing and shaming, thats what drives people away IMO.
I believe the hunting and fishing "reports" should be kept free of debates and finger pointing. This drove me away for a while when I harvested a deer with my dad, our first successful hunt together just to have a couple knowitalls try and call me out on what they believe happened in my hunt and tried painting a different version of events for whatever they thought their gain was to take away from my happiness and success. I was upset and left for a while, each time coming back saw the same things so it kept me away, had to "defend" some of my success reports...silly. But, I feel OOD shouldn't be judged on the actions of a few people that bothered me. So I am trying to rehabilitate myself within this forum. Some of the long-standing members here just seem to dominate EVERY thread and thats a huge turn-off. Its ok to have an opinion but its nice to have autonomy as well and variety of answers. Some of the regulars are too objective about ideas or opinions when they should remember they are equal to all members and everyone's input is valuable. Tenure does not excuse this behaviour IMO.
Where would the group have this discussion? Hunting, fishing, boat marina? No. Off topic.
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Yes I agree with you. we don't need Off Topic.Quote:
Originally Posted by Goosesniper
Leave it be. It is a place to go if one wishes to discuss non-outdoors subjects. If a member doesnt want to engage, then they just stay out of the section. There are a few sections I have never set foot in, I am not calling for their removal. If certain members get out of hand in the off-topic, deal with them accordingly.
What good is having a off topic section if you're not allowed to post off topic subjects on it. The powers that be here have slapped me on the pp and banished me from the off topic section lol for how long that remains to be seen as I have sent a pm to the administration and have received no response. So to all that read this before they delete it don't make any snow flakes melt or you'll be banished to.
Cheers
Tigboy304
Just take it off-while some have a good point : no one needs to go there ,many do anyway. Because they like the forum-and they want to be on it once in a while .Then there is nothing happening in any other area....so may go there. It becomes a point of major disagreements-which reflects back to the whole forum.
Removing it will take away many dissatisfaction, and will make focus of real Hunt/Wish.
Then moderate politics and BS out from them .
Simple.
Not that simple at all. Take away the "off topic" section and you will be able to watch politics spill over on to every other part of the site. Disagreements are a natural part of life, we are humans. A photo of a deer won't get us all holding hands (figuratively due to covid, of course) chanting koombaya.Quote:
Originally Posted by gbk
The off topic section is not visible to non members and should a member not wish to see the ongoing in that section, don't look at it. Its really not that hard to look away, getting upset about words you don't see would be a difficult task.
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Could not even keep politics out of the fishing thread, when a guy wanted to talk about painted spoons. Was politicized.
Take a look on CGN..for all the Forum categories and discussion groups..what are the Top 5 forums :
The Top... with 1.2 million posts..Off Topic
2nd...with 1 million post...Firearm Politics.
3rd... with 738K posts...CGN news Digest (articles)
4th...with 647K posts...Pistols..
5th...with 637L posts...Hunting and Sporting Arms.
The rest drop off fast...
It's obvious even on CGN ....Guys like to talk about things other than Gun/Hunting.
Don't want to read or participate in Off Topic.......ignore the 'train wreck topics' posted on the 'Todays Post' or 'Activity Stream' trailers.
That's specifically why CalTek created it...to clean up the forum he moved the political based threads to it rather than delete them.Quote:
Originally Posted by oaknut
Out of curiosity..the OOD top 5 forums;
Hunting 101: 52K threads
FireArms: 40K threads
Big Game: 38K threads
Off Topic: 33K threads
Water Fowl: 19K threads
An observation. There are 4 threads, about and related to the topic. Two of which I read with some amusement when I came back after walking away. Some things never change
1) Started July 27th.......This thread, which has received some more replies in the past couple days.
2) Started October 15th
3) Started on Dec 23rd
4) Started January 19th
And it works!Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Of course thing might get a little heated from time to time, I don't know what else one would expect with a group of real people that have minds of their own. This isn't a group of mindless drones bumbling through their day.
I guess it will only be a matter of time before the offended "cancel culture" folks push for reform to their standards.
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Keep OT .... if ❄ dont like it then dont read it ��
If no person has ever got in at least 1 argument in the hunt camp with a good bud over a few brews, then they might not want to go to the OT.
We all have different ideas on the same subject and sometimes in person it gets heated.
Online, people can lose their minds over an opinion or topic even easier, I think partly because they know there will not be immediate consequences, especially physical ones.
OT is an outlet to mix it up with different ideas, and sometimes vent about injustices or silly crap that just doesn't fit anywhere else but would interest our hunting brothers and sisters.
Don't like it, don't read it but PLEASE DO NOT DICTATE TO ME what you think I should or shouldn't read or write.
Sugar and snowflakes will both melt, do not let a persons words be the medium that causes that melting.
John
I enjoy the off topic section. What I find troublesome is when threats get move, there is no indication of where they have been move to. It would be nice to have a note " Move to ......"
You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut
A lot of threads are also being deleted with no notice as to why and which Mod is doing it. Used to be a curtesy that appears to have gone to the wayside.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gun Nut
Definitely agreed-brought this up before myself too(in a way).Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Removing anything without notice and explanation leads to : lack of understanding-robbing one of the opportunity to learn -losing trust - discourages direct dialogue....You name it.
ive voiced my opinion on this before but ill throw it out there again.
off topic section becomes a political dog fight on almost every post, even though theres a "political" thread section as well. i would say 70% of the posts end up with comments regarding liberals, left. right. up. or down.
for those saying this forum will die without a off topic section why are you here in the first place then? are you here for political debates? or for hunting fishing and outdoor topics? maybe if half of the people who posted in offtopic religiously posted in hunting or fishing it wouldn't look that way would it?
ive always seen the offtopic section as a place to post things that have to do with the overall "hunting fishing outdoors" topics but doesnt have a specific sub topic for it.
i know alot of you, if not all of you are older than i am, why stress and argue so much about this political crap? youve been on this earth longer than i am dont you guys know nothing will change? arent you tired of blabbing about stuff that just causes your mind to go nuts ?
im certain arguing and bringing up political issues on a outdoors forum certainly wont sway anyone's opinion about anything let alone fix whatever political party you've been angry at for half your life.
i dont care if youre left right up down sideways upsidedown i couldnt care less. im here for hunting topics or anything that remotely has to do with hunting period.
only two things i see that would fix the issues i bring up is either more moderators, or removing it all together.
(my vote as of right now to the question is yes)
hope everyone has a great day. happy huntin
just my 2 cents.
I agree, but it may be too late to fix it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Well never say never, I'm sure there's a way to delete the whole section and then other useful topics such as "How to fix" or DIY could be put there.Quote:
Originally Posted by TroutSlayer
That would be nice!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fisherman
DIY or fix-it would be great sub-topics as well, as for the person who is not handy at all they do not have to use that section or open it and can just surf by to check out what does interest them. Same as the OT, if you don't want to read it or be involved in it, surf on by and go with what does interest you.
Debating and dictating to others are 2 different animals and lines do get blurred or crossed on the internet without face to face interaction but this is what we have evolving now.
John
the whole point is that half of the threads started in the off topic belong in the political topic.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnjyb
post your political threads in the political topics and no one will have a problem with it?
Right on!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
If you don't want to read it dont bother to click on it and move on. It's supposedly a free world no one is is making anyone click on the off topic section other than your self. If someone sees something they don't like they have no one to blame but their selves as they were the one to open it. Just as the old saying goes curiosity killed the cat. Cheers.
so what is the point of having any topic then ? might as well get rid of all topics and just have a cluster of a forum with that logic then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigboy 304
i dont want to read politics, hence i steer clear of the "political and federal" topic section of the forum only to see more political threads in the off topic, is it really that hard to follow?
Bj it's not that hard no need to get your knickers in a knot! Just steer clear of that section of the forum and you should be all right and not end up having a melt down. Again it's not that difficult don't like what you are reading close the link and move on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
I don't see the big deal, I try to post in the Off Topics section for Politics but sometimes forget so sue me, I also sometimes pick the right Off topic. I also do post off non Politics in the Off Topic area. You will also notice that I do not just comment on the Politics section but quite active in the others, so I am not just a Politics persons.
People make mistakes is it really that big of a deal that some Politics happen in the Off Topic and not the Off Topics Politics section.
I have much bigger fish to fry then worry which Off Topic section something is put in.
are you assuming im having a meltdown because i dont share the same view as you? because that has me a little confused.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigboy 304
"Again it's not that difficult don't like what you are reading close the link and move on."
and again i say its not that difficult post your political threads in the political topic and no one will have a problem or be told to "steer clear" from the off topic when theres clearly a topic for it.
I think you are getting upset over something very small and insignificant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Lol bj you remind me of that kid in the thread titled "SAD" that you posted that got upset and had a meltdown over a hunter shooting a deer. It's OK you will be all right and the sun will come up tomorrow take a deep breath and try not to confuse yourself if you see something you don't like simply close the link. Keeper soft.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Exactly
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigboy 304
Again whos having a meltdown? I simply stated what peoples problem is with the off topic. I understand why half the forum has blocked you now, someone doesn't agree with your point of view and you turn to stiring the pot because you have nothing else productive to say to the argument?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigboy 304
Only person acting like a child here would be you.
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Actually it is you doing the whining and crying. So big deal some people make a mistake and posted in the wrong Off Topic Section.
I guess you would have been freaking when I would post off Topic stuff in the hunting section about my chickens. You were not a member back then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Lol for your entertainment bj I'll reply again. You would be the one having the meltdown as you seem not to be able to handle the off topic section. Buy the way please feel free to block me as well I could only be so honored as It would mean that as usual some one such as yourself can't seem to handle the truth. Cheers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
LOL, I think he would have blown as gasket when I use to post things about chickens in the hunting section because I didn't have access to the Off Topic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigboy 304
lol you clearly havent been reading any argument ive made GW. if you wanna keep adding nonsense go right ahead. would love to see a quote where im "whinning and crying" about something as well,Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
i could make the same argument that youre whinning and crying about the forum talking about removing the offtopic section.
if you would like a refresher, my issue is that every post becomes a political dogfight. has nothing to do with you "mistakenly" posting something in a different topic.
btw tig the only thing i see is you having a fit because again the forum is debating to take your prized "off topic" section away. something you have said youre banned from anyways
LOL
Bj no fit here I'm cool and have full access to the off topic section. Check it out I if you can handle it I posted in that section today. Keeper soft.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Lol it doesn't take much for some to blow a gasket in todays society over the most miniscule things.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
BJ I have read your posts and you are whining and crying, big deal some people post in the wrong area if you don't want to read it don't heck even hunting and shooting posts become political, stop making such a big deal about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowjob
Seems to me that some of those those saying, 'get over it', 'ignore the posts you don't want to read,' etc. are people who have wanted to , and tried to, ban others from commenting in the off topic section. Guess it depends who it is, and if you agree. Truth.
Pretty sure your pointing at me partly. So I call BS. By the way IO post more often in other section in any given week then you have since you have been on here.
Have you ever actually contributed to the hunting or fishing section?
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
Yes I have . If that makes any difference at all to the subject at hand. So what, you post more than others , what do you want, a medal? Gee.... how about those that only post in the photo section, or the dog section, are they any less a member here because the do not post in the hunting or fishing sections? Wow, I did not know that there was a hierarchy at OOD..... Many members of a 'certain' group on here have tried numerous times to get people banned. Those , that they disagree with. Anyone who has ever visited this site , could certainly see who is trying to dictate the conversations, that they want, and shut down all others. Usually with name calling, slander, and personal attacks on another's character..
That would be you,
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
I do not recall , ever asking for anyone's membership in the forum, to be revoked. To inhibit their posting. I know you have. Various people. Numerous times, over the years..... To those that sent me a PM for my post #80. Your welcome.
No I have never stated that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
I have stated you are a troll (you are). I have stated that you rarely ever state anything in the hunting and fishing sections. I have stated you are anti gun. I have not called for you to be kicked off. I also know that you have made complaints about me in the past to the powers to be on here.
Ha Ha. You stated? So what. Anti? My full gun safe would prove otherwise. Proof again of the name calling. You do not have to hunt or fish, ( I do ), or post in those sections , to be a member of OOD. Why do you think that someone who hunts rather than takes pictures, would be more relevant, in the Off Topic section? Should we ignore all those who do not post in the hunting and fishing sections? That's a lot of members left out. Why?
As I said I have never stated for you to be removed from this site so you "LIED" something Lefties always do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishermccann
Reading these last two pages I've come to realize got two dogs and I don't clean up after them as much as this forum.
BJ's right in asking if what you're commenting on is important at least have the courtesy to post in the right subsection. Yes we all make mistakes however if its consistently done well be prepared for deltions or moving of threads without notice. Going to close this thread as its gone to pot if you want it open pm Admin,