Your Opinion Please...

While the forums on this website are focused on all things SFG, the question has come up about off-topic discussions. For the answer to this question we want to know what you think. Should we include an Off-Topic Forum?

Your input will determine the outcome. Thank you for helping us make this garden site your garden site.

This poll will close on March 31.

I've been wanting all day to ask a rain barrel question here but didn't know if I should. Great timing! =)

I think an Off topic thread would be extremely helpful... There are so many things which could help out in association with the main purpose of SFG'ing..
Food storage, Cold frames, Hot beds, Canning, Storing, freezing....

I think Mel's main purpose is to get folks to grow their own food all over the world and at least help to alleviate World hunger...Anything off topic which would enhance and assist with the SFG'ers efforts will greatly be appreciated I think..

I agree. I'm not a member of other gardening forums and it would be nice to discuss all things regarding the gardening lifestyle.

Yes, it would be beneficial.

I agree that it would be very handy.

There are a lot of things that I'd love to discuss with all you wonderful SFGers that are not directly related to SFG... things like how to keep the 'baby' Russian olives at bay in my front yard, etc... (no, I don't want you to answer that here... I'll post my question if and when we have an off-topic forum).

It's often tough on a forum to stay on topic. One of the jobs a moderator is tasked with is diverting an OT discussion to an area dedicated for that purpose.

I think it is an excellent idea to have a place for people to continue their diatribes and tangets for the OT matter.

I believe Off Topic areas are essential to a well run forum. They allow moderators to move discussions that don't fit within a forum to a more suitable place. Also, they encourage individuals to "think outside the box" and come up with ideas that benefit everyone. They encourage active discussions, and keep a board hopping.

I'm all for them!

You can vote without leaving a comment

I'm all for it.

i am in favor of it as long the following subjects are forbidden:
politics , dead or dying relatives, personal health issues,the evil of corporations and religion. these reason i stop posting on several other garden forums.

great idea

gridgardener wrote:i am in favor of it as long the following subjects are forbidden:
politics , dead or dying relatives, personal health issues,the evil of corporations and religion. these reason i stop posting on several other garden forums.

This.

I am completely in agreement with this. I think an Off-topic forum can be very useful. People who wish to only discuss direct SFG can stay in those forums, and general gardening questions and discussions can be fun/useful/agreeable.

And in my experience (in other forums not gardening! ) when any and all off-topic is allowed, it makes for some wonderful cyber-friendships, and can also lead to nastiness.

Oh... yes!!!! I agree with GridGardener's list of topics that should not be allowed... but it would be a good place to discuss non-SFG landscape questions, other DIY projects, and general 'feel good' stuff... like "My grandkids are coming to visit" or whatever!

Yes, please! I have been with the forum for less than a week and already have several questions that I have wanted to ask (all gardening I promise!)

I went into my local nursery today, got a plant question answered by an employee, and ended up talking about her son who is on the local high school football team. Doesn't an off- topic forum represent the same scenario?

Over the past several weeks, I've watched the self-regulation by members, of themselves, when they've realized their conversation was starting to go down the path of no return, both in the forum and chat. That's why I'm comfortable about creating an off-topic forum if members want it.

A lot of us were taught that it's not good manners to talk about certain things in public. If we keep that in mind and set an example for others, an off-topic forum will work just fine.

A lot of us were taught that it's not good manners to talk about certain
things in public. If we keep that in mind and set an example for
others, an off-topic forum will work just fine.

Everyone should remember that the SFG Forum is a FAMILY Forum with all age groups, and should post appropriately on whatever topic they are talking about.

I think an off topic forum would be great!

Hi,
I vote yes, lets name it over the garden gate
Patty from Yorktown

Patty from Yorktown wrote:Hi,
I vote yes, lets name it over the garden gate
Patty from Yorktown

LOVE that idea for the forum name!

I think it is a great idea. Only concern I would have would be if it would cost the SFG folks more money. In other words, do they pay for the forums based on web space used or is it a fixed cost no matter how mych we talk. I wouldn't want our talking to be a hardship for them.

Thanks for your consideration. Forums are inexpensive, and if utilized properly can offer a positive net return. So, talk all you want, learn, share, and have fun!

I think it's a great idea. I would like to keep it in the gardening realm. In other words, 'how my kids are doing in karate' is probably not something I would see there. While I am at it, we are always looking for better ideas in terms of products. If you have been experimenting on other types of products that could help enhance the method, I would love to see what idease people have. I'd like to see what our inventive group can come up with!

ps. Please remember that this truly is a FAMILY FRIENDLY forum. I want to make sure my kids can come here and not read profanity, vulgarity or fights!. I have no problem with people having a difference of opinion. That is a good thing. What I don't put up with is someone not tolerating a different opinion and trying to force his point of view. please be civil and coridial with each other. We CAN think differently and still be friends.

Yes, that is a good idea and would hopefully keep the forums focused for those who don't want to wade through unrelated material.

This is just one man's humble opinion, but if you create an off topic forum and than tell us what is off topic, haven't you just created another topical forum? Most of the folks I have seen in these forums present themselves accordingly. And those that don't or won't, well that is why we have moderators.
I subscribe to this line of thinking. I have the right to say what I wish. But that doesn't mean it is always right to say.