Database Develop

What is Off-topic ?

No offense meant to anyone. But why was this thread closed ? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=609557
It wasn't posted in the wrong section. It is the definition of off-topic. It wasn't political. It wasn't racially or ethnically offensive. It wasn't obscene. Just because one ( again no offense ) didn't like it ?
I guess this begs the bigger question, what is the exact definition of off-topic that Mods use to decide on closing a thread ? What is too off topic. And is it a group decision to close a thread or is it a personal one ?
I have seen a lot of off....off....off topic threads in this section allowed to run their course and die ( " ...who here likes melon ? .....) Just wondering what is the definition and what is too far ?

As I felt that our discussion regarding the above-noted thread did not end on a positive tone, I took it upon myself to discuss my action of closing the thread with Flar ... as she is one of the Administrators of XDA, and ultimately should have a final word on what content should be permissible.
I remain firm that the thread should remain closed as it will simply serve to instigate a "flamewar" session amongst fellow XDA members or encourage comments that could be construed as a personal attack on Tiger Woods behaviour as depicted by the media.
That said, I am additionally concerned that closing the thread may also communicate a form of censoring as you implied - which is certainly not my intention. After my discussions with Flar, we have agreed to re-open the thread with the caveat that it not deteriorate into a personal attack on Tiger Woods or fellow XDA members.

Here is the relevant excerpt from our conversation
hilaireg said:
Hi denco7,
My intention was certainly not to offend you or to "sensor" the Off-Topic forum. I felt that no positive or constructive outcome would come from this thread.
Regards,
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Click to collapse
denco7 said:
Don't get me wrong, I was neither offended nor did I think that you were censoring anyone's rights to their opinion.
There have been a lot of way of topic threads that have turned into fun little conversations. Getting personal insights and opinions on things from people who you usually interact with on a purely technical basis, let's you know people a little bit better and gives you an additional perspective on people. I think that is what off-topic is all about and there for. I don't think anyone is loking for anything constructive out of these threads, just fun.
I have always thought that moderation should be done in moderation. And if you thought that that violated the forum rules for off-topic, I thought that maybe it was time to start a conversation on what exactly off-topic was for and what content is too off-topic. And it wasn't just that particular thread, so I hope you weren't offended .
Cheers
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Click to collapse
I have little interest in Tiger Woods' sex life or his moral make up. The only problem that I have is with " over moderation " In a semi public forum ( privately owned , but open to the public ) , as long as a thread does not violate forum rules, it should be allowed to run it's course and die a natural death. It is a public statement and the trashing of the thread , because one person objects to it's content or sees into the future that it " might " go awry, is censorship. I am however pleasantly surprised and most impressed that you were concerned enough to discuss it with Flar and return the threads. You have my utmost respect for doing the " right " thing despite your personal trepidations.
All that being said, let's get to my point in starting this thread. What is everyone else's opinion on what the off-topic thread should be. Aside from obvious offensive material like politics , war , race, ethnicity, porn, should we be allowed to discuss anything or just phones, HTC, or electronics.
What do people think off-topic should be, and what do you think is too off-topic

Sorry I have sbagliato where postare !
Bye
Simone

To answer your question as to what is off-topic? This thread certainly counts. You win the prize!

I Don't Agree

Edit: Well, I guess now the original thread has been deleted. I guess that's what I get for questioning authority.

Well I didn't close it, but having looked at the newer thread I can see why it was closed. Perhaps a word or two in a final post might have helped.
I can see why you say that it is not an "out and out" religious thread, BUT it does clearly invite religious discussion in the first post when it asks
"is God testing us?"
The above is the reason for closure, I assume you have highlighted a discrepancy with our rules - it has, for as long as I can remember, been against the rules to discuss religion, whilst being OK to merely mention what religion you are. We have also ignored brief good wishes posts related to religious festivals.
Mike

Please point me in the direction of this rule sheet that says religion is not to be discussed.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the only set of rules that I've found, and I see nothing about religion in them. If it is indeed against the rules to discuss religion, maybe it should be put into the rule sheet.

And there is no need to apologize with a thread that ended with photoshopped steven seagal pictures...It was going wayyyyy off-topic anyway...Oh...wait...that's another thread...
But still, my point of not having to apologize still stays...

I sent a PM to the-equinoxe about it.
He said it's a rule that threads about Religion are not allowed.
I believe him when he says that; but the way he closed the thread is something I don't really understand.
BTW fiktion are you the starter of that thread?

Nope. I didn't even post in it. I just didn't agree with why and how it was closed.

fiktion said:
Edit: Well, I guess now the original thread has been deleted. I guess that's what I get for questioning authority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you guessed wrong.
OP of thread you where referring to, requested for the thread to be deleted.
[ElCondor] said:
I sent a PM to the-equinoxe about it.
He said it's a rule that threads about Religion are not allowed.
I believe him when he says that; but the way he closed the thread is something I don't really understand.
BTW fiktion are you the starter of that thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-see mikechannon's reply re. religion.
My closing post in the religious and OT thread was clear:
"This is a Technology forum and not a forum to discuss religion.
(as stated in the forum rules).
Hence this thread is closed."
What did you want to see more?
BTW. Fiction has nothing to do with thread, he even didn't post in it.
If you guys want to discuss religion, feel free to do so in forums who are actually made for that kind of discussions.
Closing this thread also, because this discussion leads to nowhere.

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While some Moderation Teams may allow some off-topic discussion and the creation of off-topic threads, we do not. There is an entire General Off-Topic forum devoted to this type of discussion and there are enough threads already available to meet anyone's off-topic needs. All off-topic threads, and posts containing off-topic discussion, will be deleted promptly and without warning. If you're concerned with the amount of off-topic discussion and misplaced questions in the Development forums, please consider making a Q&A Thread for your ROM/Kernel/Project/etc.​
4) Don't ask for an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival):
Asking for an ETA is the XDA equivalent of telling a Developer that the free work they do just isn't enough for you. It usually comes across as rude and/or demanding, and most developers will take offense to it. Even if a particular Developer doesn't mind being asked for an ETA, there are many that do, and there's a good possibility that it will incite arguments in the forum. In the end, it's just best to avoid doing it altogether. If you have no other choice but to ask for an ETA (i.e. the work you're doing absolutely depends on it), then please, do it through a private message and keep it out of the public forums.​
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With that, here are a few great threads to help you get the most out of your experience here...please take advantage of them:
Get the most out of XDA!!
How to make a good THREAD, POST, QUESTION or POLL
WhatsApp / Telegram Chat Channels - Way Forward
Why you get short/one word answers! (The Long Answer)
How to give constructive feedback to developers
How To Logcat
GPLv2 tips for developers
Getting a moderator's help
And as always...
Thank you, and have a great day!