Hijacking threads...bad or sometimes good?

[Maurice]

I (along with many others) am often guilty of hijacking threads by asking questions which are off topic. I never mean to do so but it is quite easy to do since you cannot & probably should not start a new thread for every simple off topic question you might have.

But when an off topic question or comment starts to mushroom into a big discussion, that is not fair to the person who started the new thread. At this point, the first 'derailer' should probably start a new topic and continue the discussion there.

So, for my part, I am going to try much harder to keep my comments/ questions on topic. But if I or anyone else fails to do so, we should all understand if someone's jumps in and reminds us this was a hijack.

But I am also confused about my own feelings on this subject. A lot of the very interesting and sometimes very funny discussions that happen from time to time happen precisely after a hijack of some sort and may not have happened if the first 'hijacker' did not bother starting a new thread.

And for some reason, I never ever care when my own posts are hijacked because I always welcome new interesting discussions whether they are related to my topic or not. I'm never offended when that happens but others may be.

So, I just want to know what you guys think about this. Maybe we can reach a consensus about the best way to operate. In my opinion, hijacking makes discussions more lively & interesting but I'm sure not everyone feels that way.

Comments?

Maurice

[jackpilot]

As a moderator my "job" has been "tiny"..lol
And this is  probably the best indication of a lively and great forum.
What you do and what we all do in that matter  (diverting/highjacking) is fine I think, this is what a forum is all about!:Discussion
Which means following a thread that can go left and right, up and down as long as basic fairness and behaviour are well in check.

Opening a new topic, well identified, (for future info retrieval) is a valid idea on a fairly tech post but otherwise let the discussion run its course.
We are a good bunch of friends, well versed in simbuilding, ready to share with newcomers and IMHO exchanging info and opinions in a balanced way.
My2¢

[Maurice]

Fully agree with you Jack. The less interference the better within reasonable limits of course. If things get out of hand too far,  either the moderator or the thread originator can step in and re-direct the conversation if really needed.

I think this post is really not needed, so please delete it. No point anybody wasting time reading it I think.

Maurice

[jackpilot]

Nope.

Would be against what we just said!

[Boeing Skunk Works]

We could just post 7600...

[Maurice]

Nope.

Would be against what we just said!

Only if requested by someone else and not the originator 

Maurice

[Maurice]

We could just post 7600...

That could work 

Maurice

[blueskydriver]

Hi Maurice and Jack,

-Maurice, your post is not a waste of time too read; actually, Karen and I sat here talking about it for a while. What we arrived at is similar too what Jack posted. In addition, we have this idea:

Make more sub-category forum titles

For example, these sub-categories could be related to what the general topics would be or likely advance into. So, a category for:

-MIPs
-MCP/EFISs
-Overheads
-Pedestals
-Projectors and Screens
-Input/Output Devices
-Input/Output Cards
-Computer Hardware
-Computer Software
-Avionic Suites

That is 10 sub-categories that are the most common subjects beyond what the current categories are now being used on CB. The point is to help narrow down things a bit, but still allowing off topic too happen. However, I or anyone would know what the topic is likely going to follow. Right now most things get started in the General category, so it can be taken that it's okay to talk about anything no matter what the thread is.

Finally, I wish there was a way (or is there already) to have the category shown as to where the thread comes from on the rightside column of "recent posts" on the homepage. I believe a lot of regular users are just going to that first, so knowing what or where things are coming from would help that concept...

John

[Maurice]

Those are excellent ideas John especially the one about having "the category shown as to where the thread comes from"

As far as the sub-categories are concerned, this is good as well but would only work if you were forced to select one AND if you can have the category shown as mentioned above. Otherwise, you are back in the same boat if you only look at the recent posts when you log in.

Anyway, no idea if Trevor can or wants to implement those things but I wish he would if it's possible.

Maurice

[Garys]

Hey guys, Im looking for a new MCP. Anybody know any good manufactures? 

GAry

[jackpilot]

Used to be a good one in Australia...Aero ..smthg ??

[blueskydriver]

Check the new "MCP Category"! Oh wait, it's not started yet...and that's how you bring it back on topic...lol.

[Garys]

Check the new "MCP Category"! Oh wait, it's not started yet...and that's how you bring it back on topic...lol.

That's a good one... Love it 

Gary

[Maurice]

What was I talking about???

Maurice

[blueskydriver]

I hijacked Johns Ipad while he works on something else. Been hearing alot about this and thought i would put my dollars worth in, being a women, i cost more. 

Since i hijacked, it still falls under the subject, right?

[fsaviator]

To get back to the original topic of the thread
I have to side with Jack on this one, Mau.  As you know, I tend to inadvertently hijack threads from time to time but like Jack said, we are a close enough group of friends that when it happens, I tend to think it's no different than sitting around a table having a drink and hanging out.

[Maurice]

I hijacked Johns Ipad while he works on something else. Been hearing alot about this and thought i would put my dollars worth in, being a women, i cost more. 

Since i hijacked, it still falls under the subject, right?

Jack, I told you to delete this topic. What we have now is women committing illegal acts. Where will this end 

Maurice

[simlady/ Karen]

Hi Maurice,

that's the fun part.

[XOrionFE]

To get back to the original topic of the thread
I have to side with Jack on this one, Mau.  As you know, I tend to inadvertently hijack threads from time to time but like Jack said, we are a close enough group of friends that when it happens, I tend to think it's no different than sitting around a table having a drink and hanging out.

You buyin' Warren???

Scott

[Boeing Skunk Works]

Vee haf to go to Stuttgart fur dat. 

[fsaviator]

To get back to the original topic of the thread
I have to side with Jack on this one, Mau.  As you know, I tend to inadvertently hijack threads from time to time but like Jack said, we are a close enough group of friends that when it happens, I tend to think it's no different than sitting around a table having a drink and hanging out.

You buyin' Warren???

Scott

You bet!

[jskibo]

So who's going to win the NFC next year?   

[Maurice]

So who's going to win the NFC next year?   

You see Jack, I told you to delete this thread or it would deteriorate into a free for all insanity fest. Let's not forget the maturity level of this group of lunatics, yours truly included 

Maurice

[jackpilot]

Had a glimpse of it during our last meet at the Open House in Newmarket/ Sim Fest Hospîtality at AirMau's FBO.
And I must say ..I loved it!!

[jackpilot]

OK this post is deleted... Please Hijack it as much as you want...