Would it be possible for off topic threads to not be shown in the New Posts section at the top. I belong to anther board with an identical format and it was decided off topic threads would not shown there. I have read several posts and I did this at one point as well, that when you click on the new post section, you don't really know what forum its in. Its obvious most are comfortable having the Rants and Raves section and have turned this board into a general board instead of a support tool. For the newbies looking for support, I think it would be a great idea for them to see only the on topic things when they check out new posts and if they want to verture further, they can. Imagine the suprise on many newbies logging in and click on new posts only to see topics on abortion, boy love, religion, etc. Just a thought

To participate in a poll, click the link:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=34851

Who are these "many" folks you refer to?

Thats a fire fight that happend before you joined.

You dont wanna know... trust me.

Bingo - I wouldn't find it an improvement.

Ditto. This is a fantastic board and the range of topics and opnions is why I love it so much. If you want a format where nobody can discuss anything even a little controversial, I would encourage you to read through OH. They are sure to cover up, hide, and delete anything that isn't according to their standards. Here, OTOH, people are assumed to be thinking people, not people that need to be protected from the world.

We fatties encounter much much worse just walking out the front door on a daily basis. This is simply mild.

Hmmm... I find this post interesting. You appear quite offended yet you are here daily participating in the very same thing you are complaining about.

I'm not sure I understand your point.

I participate quite often in the r and r section.

However, I dont think that our bi***ing and moaning should be brought to the focal point like it is.

All I can remember hearing about is a bunch of people that got banned because they were feuding. And I think a lot had other screen names, which is a no-no, I guess. All I can think is that if they were acting badly enough that they got banned, they probably weren't great support in the first place.

Otherwise we should rename LapBandTalk.Com to AthiestChristianBoyloveMormanAbortionTalk.com. Maybe we really need to re-evaluate our priorities here.

You are kidding, right?

Of the thousands of threads on this forum regarding bands and the few regarding off topic issues, you can honestly suggest the above?

:straight

Wowzer, this took off.

First of all -

That is one opinion. and my apologies, I forget laurend is not a moderator as I was counting her as well in the plural.

I posted my opinion as a user, and specifically said "But that's user Wheetsin, not moderator Wheetsin..." I am banded and I use this messageboard. AND I help moderate it. Two very different hats. There is no "moderator majority" or "minority."

What Alexandra said is absolutely right. Nothing is done to show off. We dont "pick" the top 5, it's done automatically based on what's hot.

But the software can be made to exclude that.

But the software can be made to exclude that.

But why should it? No one can give me a really logical answer to this.

All I can remember hearing about is a bunch of people that got banned because they were feuding. And I think a lot had other screen names, which is a no-no, I guess. All I can think is that if they were acting badly enough that they got banned, they probably weren't great support in the first place.

Nope. I'm not referring to that bunch of folks, but there were many who were great support in that exodus as well.

I'm talking about since. However, this thread is a poll thread, for everyone who wishes to have some input into whether they would like to see some functionality to sift the posts to suit them or not.

It really shouldn't be a concern to have this function. It doesn't stop anyone from posting. It doesn't censor anything you want to see for yourself. It just allows others to sort how they wish to see their threads. The only reason I could think it would be a bad thing is if it tends to take the attention away from the potentially offensive posts and there are less responses to them. I don't see that as a problem, except that the one who is ranting may eventually find themselves talking to themselves or only to those who agree with them. Is this a bad thing?

But the software can be made to exclude that.

But, if it is a "hot" topic that *is* what people are interested in.

Yes, like Letha said

It takes away from the support site.

Newbies hit the link to an r and r thread read it, freak and post "why"

There are some very very contraversial things in r and r that can be offensive to a wide range of people.

Its not preventing posting, just taking the focus off of r and r.

What is wrong with limiting its exposure?

Other than it will take an extra click to get to r and r?

I don't see that as a problem, except that the one who is ranting may eventually find themselves talking to themselves or only to those who agree with them.

I doubt that will happen. There are lots of people who apparently hate the RnR, but still love to post there. I somehow doubt that they will suddenly start ignoring threads, as much as I would love it.

I don't have a problem with having a function that would allow an individual user to determine if they want to ignore certain threads or even entire forums. What I do have a problem with is removing the entire RnR forum from the "new posts" page.

And if someone is so sensitive that they allow an entire, easily ignored forum to ruin their experience here and drive them away from the strong support that is available here.... Well, to be sensitive about it, that says more about them than about LBT.

Its only a hot topic for about 40 or so vocal people.

Just looking at r and r, the same people tend to post.

Looking at the forum as a whole.. there are HUNDREDS who dont.

And the more contraversial a thread is, the more that 40 people post to it and push it to the top.

And 40 is an estimate.. lets not go crazy and ask for sql queries.

Newbies hit the link to an r and r thread read it, freak and post "why"

Most newbies that I've seen haven't gotten offended when someone made it clear that RnR was an off-topic discussion area.

Why are you so defensive to have r and r out there?