"Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Broken link? Feature request? Anything related to the Spectrum Computing website here.
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R-Tape
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"Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by R-Tape »

Thanks everyone for the suggestions in this thread, we've decided to change the "Off Topic" forum to "Other Retro Stuff" for the time being.

1024MAK made the point here that off topic posts will inevitably appear and its removal could cause problems. Yep that's probably true, but it should be easier to handle. Your idea of a 'special area' could be an option. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

We're having a look at the forum rules and these will be released once they are finalised.

Taa.

Just to add - "Introduce yourself!" is now in Announcements.
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1024MAK
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by 1024MAK »

Whatever you call the section of the forum (assuming such a section exists) where people can talk obout "other retro stuff" or "off topic", it would be good if the guidelines are clear. Either in a sticky post (at the top) in the appropriate section, or via the description text in the forum.

Then all members will know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

Mark
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R-Tape
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by R-Tape »

Yep we're looking at the forum rules, there is already a sticky with guidelines in, or did you mean something else?
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by redballoon »

Looking forward to the post in the “Other Retro Stuff” section with the subject “Remember the old Off Topic Section?”...
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Pegaz
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by Pegaz »

R-Tape wrote: Tue Mar 13, 2018 4:46 am Yep we're looking at the forum rules, there is already a sticky with guidelines in, or did you mean something else?
I suppose Mark is thinking of sticky post, some sort of guideline for this particular forum section.
I think it's a good idea, to avoid any further confusion and misinterpretations...
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PeterJ
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by PeterJ »

Hi [mention]Pegaz[/mention]. As Dave says, under each forum section is a sticky post with forum rules. Was that what you were thinking of?
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by Pegaz »

For example, we can add info in the Forum guidelines, which will clearly indicate what is the purpose of the Other retro stuff section.
After all, If we have a separate notification related to Vega+, then it will not hurt to add another one...
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by PeterJ »

Hi [mention]Pegaz[/mention]

Thanks, we will make sure everything is as clear as we make it. As long as we stick to the general subject area it's fine. We want to be as relaxed as possible but provide clear guidance that we can direct users to if there are any issues.
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1024MAK
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by 1024MAK »

Pegaz wrote: Tue Mar 13, 2018 8:33 am
R-Tape wrote: Tue Mar 13, 2018 4:46 am Yep we're looking at the forum rules, there is already a sticky with guidelines in, or did you mean something else?
I suppose Mark is thinking of sticky post, some sort of guideline for this particular forum section.
I think it's a good idea, to avoid any further confusion and misinterpretations...
Yes, exactly, this would just be a sticky post specific to this sub-forum only. It would contain basic guidelines. It is not intended to replace the general guidelines and rules. But more to give guidance on what is and what is not acceptable in this section. As this is additional to the general guidelines and rules, it would not contain many (if any) of the general guidelines and rules.

So for example, if this section is intended to be for discussions on other 1980s and 1990s home computers (or "retrocomputing") only, then the sticky may say "This area of the forum is intended for discussions about non-Sinclair 1980s and 1990s home computers and their peripherals only". Note that the above is an example only and not intended to define what this section is actually used for.

You could of course expand on this. You also could include any restrictions.

The reason for including it as a sticky here, is in the hope that members notice it. As not that many members will actively go looking for forum rules and read through all the guidelines and rules.

Mark
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by PeterJ »

Thanks Mark. We will continue to include the guidelines on every section as a sticky. Also we will add something extra for the 'Retro Computing' section.

We don't want to be to too regimented with this area and as long as it has something to do with retro computing and does not break the other guidelines then there will not be an issue. You will see from the new guidelines (coming soon) that warnings and temporary bans are a last resort. If members are not sure if their post fits into the subject area they can always drop Dave or I a note. If other guidelines are not broken the worst that will happen is the post will be edited or deleted.

What we are trying to avoid is stuff which is completely off topic, and just to repeat as long as the post does not break our more serious guidelines, there will be no sanctions for making a mistake.

In the vast majority of cases the forum has been self moderating and we want it to continue that where at all possible. Most of us are 40+ (age rather than waist!) so we should be able to make that work.

Peter
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R-Tape
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Re: "Off Topic" now "Other Retro Stuff"

Post by R-Tape »

Just to let you know we've changed the forum guidelines to give a bit more clarity, they now have more detail on:

-what can't be posted
-how we moderate
-what the admins can help with
-some sections (will) have specific info relevant to that forum only - "Other Retro Stuff" is explained so far.

(please note we're using the term moderator and admin interchangeably)

As you were (-:
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