Keeping Discussion On Topic Within Threads

[Irish Envy]

Since asking for feedback yesterday, I have received quite a few private message from everyone with some things they'd like to see improved here at IrishEnvy.com. While there were some good suggestions (some bad ones, too), the suggestion/feedback that came up most frequently was about discussions veering off-topic.

In going back and viewing several reference threads, I wholeheartedly agree with those that think we're killing certain topics by moving away from the thread's intended topic.

While I don't want to discourage posting, it can be frustrating for someone that is thinking they're going to read a thread about a certain recruit only to find out that the discussion is now veered off and into rivalry games, a different recruit, etc.

So, lets take a minute to come up and implement a simple framework that will help reduce thread hijacking and keeping discussions on topic so they can be fully discussed.

1) Make an effort to stick to the topic. You are adults (most of you at least) and you know whether or not something has nothing to do with the current thread you're in.

2) Have something similar but not directly related? Start a "Spinoff Thread." If you have something that is similar to the current topic but not directly related and fear that it could drive the current topic off path or kill it altogether, then just start a new thread with "Spinoff: [Amended Topic]" title.

3) Keeping personal emotion from destroying discussion. I think this is pretty self-explanitory and can really drown out/kill a good discussion.

The bottom line is we want to have a forum where people can discuss things without fear of having the discussions diluted or discounted because this will more then likely keep them from posting in the future. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to drop me a private message.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Honestly if people want to read stuff on a prospect, and that's all they're here for, that's not really the province of a messageboard. Messageboards are about discussion, and personality, and emotion - and then about information. Otherwise people can just register at Scout or some place and read the info on the recruits straight away.

And if those complaining are lurkers, not posters, why don't they register and try to get discussion back to where they want it to be? Or ask whatever is on their mind. A thread is only derailed if people want to derail it, and if someone wants it about something else, he only needs to post back on topic. All the posters here can do that. And as for lurkers, well, they shouldn't dictate discussion here if they won't even take part.

 

[jiggafini19]

I think that we, compared to other ND message boards, do a great job of staying on topic in threads by comparison. I think, at least from my perspective, that threads start to get off base when they get into the higher respone number. When a thread has over 40 responses to it, things can get off topic.

Best example: The Jason Kates thread that turned into a discussion about cheese. I think at that point everyone had said what could be said about the situation and it somehow turned into junior high comedy hour.

We have a few inside jokes (I hate kickers, one guy smells like cabbage, etc), but generally people can jump right in and won't have to worry about getting flamed. Ultimately, this is the best tone for ND discussion that I can find.

 

[Subway Alum - MA]

Notre Dame Recruiting

Notre Dame Recruiting

The title of this messageboard is "Notre Dame Recruting." Further, it states that "Got word on a "blue chip" eying the Golden Dome? This is the place to discuss Notre Dame recruiting, college prospects, and related topics. Since the "Notre Dame Football" board is more general, I faocus on this board to learn about, discuss and contribute information on recruiting. Since MA - or New England for that matter - is not exactly a recruiting mecca; such posts are fairly limitted. Last year, Barry Gallup, Jr. was a Notre Dame commit. This year there are three local-area prospects, none of which is on the present, A-List radar screen.
I was one of those who submitted a private message when I saw the request for ways to help improve the board and noted that a personal message indicated that I had not posted recently. I responded by mentioning that I had less time available due to my summer schedule and I do not have the luxury of spending as much time at the various Notre Dame fan website. I bemoaned the fact that some of the topics did not deal with recruiting [so I could skip them entirely], but threads on some topcs not only were stretches, but had absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter [See Marc Tyler threads]. Disagreements on germane to the topic are fine, even encouraged, but when it gets personal [attacking recruit's motives who commit elsewhere, criticising grammar, etc.] - that has no place on ANY board!
If you feel my position is one of a purist, so be it! This board is by far the best I have frequented. I'm simply saying that if some members want to have a "pissing contest" with another/others, exchange e-mail addresses and go at it. However, I'd like to simply remind those who may disagree with me that the thread guidelines are posted. I would like to say that some posters recently have tended to drift away from them and I would like to see a refocusing on follow the listed objective of this particular board.


Suibway Alum - MA
Class of 1952