Forum > Chat and Banter

Darren Ramowski

Darren Ramowski

nothing wrong in general conversation within posts but as per the forum AUP (see below) does it help if posts go off topic ?  therefore

1, Do you not care?

2, Let moderators delete or moderate

3, or have a private members logged in area for general conversational discussions and banter ?

 http://www.golfshake.com/forums/forumHelp.php

Stay on topic

As much as possible; please stay on topic within a forum post. If you feel that a particular topic is not being covered then start a new thread rather than replying to an old one.

David Marshall

If a particular topic has been replied to and answered, then there is nothing wrong with the conversation progressing.

It's not up to individuals to decide that conversations have gone off topic, and make comments. That is the duty for the Moderators to decide. If somebody doesn't like post replies, or has an issue with any reply, then they should ask a Moderator to intervene and make a decision.

Paul Williams

Perhaps an "OFF TOPIC" forum would help Darren???

I don't see any real major issues at present, Only the banter flying around, But that's all harmless and quickly returns to the subject matter once requested.

Darren Ramowski

but does it not deter new comers with the friendly banter which they may not be akin to

plus if they have the notification on to receive emails when someone replies, does this not end up spamming them with needless notification

Paul Williams

Where's the middle ground though Darren, If you clamp down on the banter and forum rules state "must stay on topic" This would deter regulars from posting. Looking over a few recent posts IE help with shanking, A fairly new poster, All seems ok yet where "regulars" are creating posts banter applies.

Also do you have constant moderation to "ask" members to stay on topic or to use the off topic option?

I understand the issue with possible spamming, but I find not ticking the box and a daily check when I have a spare 5 mins avoids that issue.

Like I say.... Middle ground.

David Marshall

Hopefully new comers will be aware that the friendly banter is just that. It's when it becomes personal, or aggressive, that things kick off.

There is the option to not receive emails, when you get a reply to a post. That's how mine is set. If you find that you get bombarded, simply turn off the option. 

Stuart Govan

I don't have a problem with going off topic. Me and David are masters at it!

If I have a question about something I will always do a forum search before starting a new thread, and I always find what I'm after. You read as much or as little as you want.

For me the big USP of Golfshake is its friendliness and banter. There are plenty of sites you can go to for golf advice, instruction, etc., but very few that are so welcoming and friendly as this one. If you stopped people going off topic when they wanted it wouldn't be half the site it is.

Newcomers are always made welcome and if they enter into the spirit of things then they will feel at home very soon. Of course some people may find that easier than others. But I remember Stephen Falcus coming in as a beginner and before long he was giving as good as he was getting.

I wouldn't want to be a moderator if they had to keep everything on topic! You have to let these things flow in my opinion, only get involved if things get abusive or personal.

David Marshall

Sorry Paul..My reply overlapped yours.

Your case in point about the 'Help with shanking' post, this was answered, very well, within the first few replies.

If posts stay totally on topic all the time they become stagnant. There is only so much one can say in reply to a particular question.

Nearly every post asking a question will have a full reply within a few hours 

David Marshall

Hey Stuart...You mean we go off topic?  Never....

You put the points across better than I did.  And yes, it's a compliment

But come next week..Things will be different  

Darren Ramowski

I'm merely posing the question I'm impartial   yup I did clean up the skycaddie post but generally don't bother

Paul Williams

No problem David.

Are we to take it someone as complained???????? Who is it???? Let me at em!

Darren Ramowski

Paul Williams

Darren Ramowski

James Illsley

David Hartley

Darren, contrary to what some people may now believe I don't have a problem with posts going off topic. I know that threads are living things and can turn in an unexpected direction very quickly.

I just feel that certain topics like in the skycaddie case where a poster is looking purely for info on one subject, it is not the apt place to do this. There are plenty of posts where forummers can exchange banter and have a laugh, it doesn't need to occur on every single thread.

David Marshall

When Darren talks about new comers, and the fact that they may not quite come to terms with the banter on here, they have to consider that probably 90% of the contributors on the site know each other. We have met up and played in a friendly atmosphere.

This may come across as a close knit community, or whatever phrase you wish to choose, to some. But that is far away from the truth. Everybody that introduces themselves to this site gets a welcome 'hello', usually within minutes of their first post.

I remember well my first tentative steps with Golshake. And I have to say ( and this isn't meant to be cheesy or back slapping) that I have never come across a friendlier more welcoming bunch in my life.

There was a certain person who managed to upset everybody on here, when they first came on. But having met him, he turned out to be the nicest guy you could ever wish to meet.

So all I can say to the new comers is..Jump in..Join in the fun, with like minded people. And make the effort to come to one of the organised games..You will be so glad you did. 

John Pettitt

Darren Atkinson

John Pettitt

Wayne Santorini

David Marshall

Wayne Santorini

Dave ley

Scarlets back!!!!!! blinking computers it nearly went out the window this time,but i'm suprised how  good a pc tech I am for a plumber I'm sure it was down to a Mysteron !have i missed anything?

I agree with everything everyone has said on this subject