Off topic, Acceptable or a mortal sin. Discuss

[bendintheroad]

No criticism is intended here but I would be interested to see if there are strong views on threads going off topic.

How long should a thread remain on-topic before it’s acceptable to start widening the scope of the discussion? I realize it is annoying to start a thread which may be making a serious point or asking for advice only to find it hijacked by someone taking the piss or changing the subject. However, once the main points have been made or questions answered, shouldn’t there be a point when ‘ownership’ of the thread passes into the common domain for general banter and frivolity?

Some of the best threads I’ve seen have taken on a life of their own far removed from the original topic. Could it be that, being overly precious about thread discipline might inhibit some members from joining the fray? Quite a few people who may be reticent about starting a new tread might be more comfortable with posting the odd comment in an already lively debate
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[dhustonedave]

I've got loads of fishing kit for sale if anybody is interested. its mostly stillwater coarse gear i'm looking to get rid of 

[wedge]

Its the off topic banter that makes a forum imo.  If every topic stayed dead on topic the forum would very quick become a very dull and drab place.

DHD... about that fishing gear...

[bendintheroad]

I've got loads of fishing kit for sale if anybody is interested. its mostly stillwater coarse gear i'm looking to get rid of 

Very quick and very droll

[dhustonedave]

anybody out and about next weekend ?

[bendintheroad]

Its the off topic banter that makes a forum imo.  If every topic stayed dead on topic the forum would very quick become a very dull and drab place.

DHD... about that fishing gear...

I take it you do know that a post about ‘fishing’ is a code used by passengers on the other bus?

[bendintheroad]

anybody out and about next weekend ?

What, to go 'fishing'?

[dhustonedave]

anybody out and about next weekend ?

What, to go 'fishing'?

i suspected you were an angler on the quiet you look like you find it hard to resist a bit of luncheon meat dangled in front of you

[bendintheroad]

anybody out and about next weekend ?

What, to go 'fishing'?

i suspected you were an angler on the quiet you look like you find it hard to resist a bit of luncheon meat dangled in front of you

I bet you’ve baited many a hook!

[dhustonedave]

anybody out and about next weekend ?

What, to go 'fishing'?

i suspected you were an angler on the quiet you look like you find it hard to resist a bit of luncheon meat dangled in front of you

I bet you’ve baited many a hook!

i bet you've gone home with a waft of kipper about you.

[bendintheroad]

Anyway to bring this thread back on topic, Barrymore, what’s he up to these days?

[Fuzzrr]

Dunno. But was wondering if anyone knew how to get to the Nissan factory up near Denbigh?? 

[dhustonedave]

hmmmm

hedgehogs!  why cant they just share the hedge?

[bendintheroad]

Dunno. But was wondering if anyone knew how to get to the Nissan factory up near Denbigh?? 

Do they make huts?

[dhustonedave]

Dunno. But was wondering if anyone knew how to get to the Nissan factory up near Denbigh?? 

Do they make huts?

are you dyslexic?