Just wondering:

Sometimes a thread may grow from small beginnings and become something bigger, and more interesting, than may have been initially intended.

Many contribute, the subject matter evolves, is of interest to all and is handled sensibly and with maturity by posters.

Then the OP asks for it to be closed because he/she thinks it's reached an end and he/she no longer has an interest in where it's going.

Is that always his/her undeniable right? Others, who may have been around longer, may have a greater knowledge of the evolved subject matter and may prefer the thread to keep going until it dies a natural death, rather than be killed off in it's prime.

Bedlam had a massive clean out a while back with many threads closed and a new set of rules re-enforced. This affected most here in various ways and co-incidently a number of long termers left about the same time.

The place is slowly making a comeback to again being a vibrant and more daring alternative to the main forum, but many are still tiptoeing on eggshells with every post.

Should one person (even if he/she is the OP be able to close a (non-personal) topic?

Just wondering.

(Disclaimer: This is not, in any way, intended as a critisism of any particular OP or Mod. It is just a clarification of rules of engagement. If you think I am referring to a particular thread I can tell you the OP is one of my favorite posters on the forum)

Please close the "Last Word" thread!

Just wondering:

Sometimes a thread may grow from small beginnings and become something bigger, and more interesting, than may have been initially intended.

Many contribute, the subject matter evolves, is of interest to all and is handled sensibly and with maturity by posters.

Should one person (even if he/she is the OP be able to close a (non-personal) topic?

Just wondering.

Hi Croc,

the convention is that the OP can ask for a thread to be closed and it will be. Normally this is done in cases such as "where can I get/buy ......." or "How do I ........" type threads where once the information is given there is no point in continuing the discussion.

I think Ping was concerned that if the thread continued then there was potential for some one to cross the line and so he asked for it to be closed. In these cases we comply even if we think the thread was going well, was interesting and complied with the rules of the forum.

Of course the OP can ask for the thread to be reopened if they so choose. Unless the thread was closed for breaking rules the moderators will usually do it.

regards and good question

CB

Please close the "Last Word" thread!

The last person who did that was Wolfie as his last gesture from retirement as a moderator. You just don't like it when someone beats you for the last word mate.

CB

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

then you could start another thread of similar title (if the subject is in fact acceptable according to tv rules) and continue the discussion.

chownah

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

then you could start another thread of similar title (if the subject is in fact acceptable according to tv rules) and continue the discussion.

chownah

Re-started closed topics end up being closed or deleted very quickly.

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

then you could start another thread of similar title (if the subject is in fact acceptable according to tv rules) and continue the discussion.

chownah

Re-started closed topics end up being closed or deleted very quickly.

unless it's that infernal last word thing!

I thought of trying to start another topic similar to the closed one, but got a bit of eggshell under the toenail at the last minute.

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

then you could start another thread of similar title (if the subject is in fact acceptable according to tv rules) and continue the discussion.

chownah

Re-started closed topics end up being closed or deleted very quickly.

This is probably because the topic is breaking some rules and not just because someone wanted their thread closed....as I said...if the topic is in accordance with the rules I think it will be no problem. Maybe a moderator will come on and comment if this is correct or not.

Chownah

Please close the "Last Word" thread!

Nnnoooooo!!! Don't ever close the last word thread - I need my daily fix. (it's getting the same way with the random post thread!)

Regarding the closure of threads by the op, I don't think it should be automatic just because the op requests it. As long as it's within the rules let the people decide.

It's like when people say 'It's your thread.' It shouldn't be my thread just because I started it. It our thread, we all own it. (or at least those members who viewed it)

Power to the people!

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

Just curious, why not PM the person who requested it closed and ask them why? Or perhaps every thread should have a poll attached with these two question:

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Leave this thread open, its fabulous!

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

Just curious, why not PM the person who requested it closed and ask them why? Or perhaps every thread should have a poll attached with these two question:

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Leave this thread open, its fabulous!

No not necessary. I think the main point is, why should an OP requesting a thread be closed be reason enough to close it? I think this was discussed a while ago, but can't remember the outcome. I mean, if a good thread is running, why should one person's desire to close the thread over-rule all others? Just a thought, and I think that's what Old Croc was getting at when he started this thread...

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

Just curious, why not PM the person who requested it closed and ask them why? Or perhaps every thread should have a poll attached with these two question:

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Leave this thread open, its fabulous!

I've got a great idea...or maybe its a not soooo great idea but can TV get a feature where an individual could close the thread for themselves....sort of like an ignore button for a thread!!!! That way if someone wants to close a thread they can while at the same time others who want it to stay open can have it open too!!!.....everyone is happy!!!!

Chownah

An interesting suggestion Chow. Don't know if it would be possible though.

Agree with the OP. Recently, just as we were having an interesting discussion about banned members (which was staying within the forum rules), it was killed off just because the OP requested it. And was quite frustrating really.

Just curious, why not PM the person who requested it closed and ask them why? Or perhaps every thread should have a poll attached with these two question:

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Leave this thread open, its fabulous!

I've got a great idea...or maybe its a not soooo great idea but can TV get a feature where an individual could close the thread for themselves....sort of like an ignore button for a thread!!!! That way if someone wants to close a thread they can while at the same time others who want it to stay open can have it open too!!!.....everyone is happy!!!!

Chownah

Hmm, good idea!

Actually there was more than one reason I asked for the 'Banned Posters' thread to be closed. Firstly, I was a bit unhappy with the direction it was taking. Secondly, its purpose ceased to exist, since it became abundantly clear that the suggestion was not going to be entertained. Thirdly, in light of the content, I didn't want it bumped at some point in the future. If, at some future time, someone finds it covered in cobwebs in the archives and wants to dust it off, they will need to start a similar thread afresh and perhaps tackle the issue another way.

Yes, it was interesting, but it really had run its course. I agree with Chownha that if sufficient interest remains, someone can start a new thread. I am sorry if the closure annoyed some people - that was unintended and unforeseen.

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Then many threads on TV would be closed.

Please close this thread -- it is now <deleted>

Then many threads on TV would be closed.

Nice one Jock!

One of the things that members seem to forget is that Mods and Admin are also posters. There are many threads that we enjoy and participate. Sometimes they are closed for a variety of reasons including the OPs' request which disappoints us as well as the members. Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done. You can usually tell that the mods are enjoying it even if you don't see us directly participate when there are several posts from mods asking for calm and to keep on topic.

CB

Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done.

Just for the record... usually this is a last resort, because the debris is so widely scattered throughout the topic that "sanitizing" it would take too long.

Please close this thread...it's annoying

Please close this thread...it's annoying

Oi! My thread, my call (apparently)

Unless of course you start throwing food.

What is it with all these pests wanting to close threads?

Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done.

Just for the record... usually this is a last resort, because the debris is so widely scattered throughout the topic that "sanitizing" it would take too long.

Could you please try and sanitize the Random Posts thread, Jai Dee. Someone went off topic

As for closing threads. I personally don't think the op should be able to solely decide whether or not it's closed. If i open my mouth and start a conversation in the real world, then i have to accept the way the conversation goes, whether i like it or not. Could you imagine starting a conversation in the pub and then just as it gets going you say "right, i don't want to talk about that anymore, conversation closed"

If it contravenes any rules, it gets closed and if it is no longer a hot topic it will fade away. If it fades away, the op should then be able to request it closed after it has been in limbo for a couple of weeks. This would ensure it doesn't get bumped in the future when circumstances could have changed.

Well, that's just my opinion.

Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done.

Just for the record... usually this is a last resort, because the debris is so widely scattered throughout the topic that "sanitizing" it would take too long.

Could you please try and sanitize the Random Posts thread, Jai Dee. Someone went off topic

As for closing threads. I personally don't think the op should be able to solely decide whether or not it's closed. If i open my mouth and start a conversation in the real world, then i have to accept the way the conversation goes, whether i like it or not. Could you imagine starting a conversation in the pub and then just as it gets going you say "right, i don't want to talk about that anymore, conversation closed"

If it contravenes any rules, it gets closed and if it is no longer a hot topic it will fade away. If it fades away, the op should then be able to request it closed after it has been in limbo for a couple of weeks. This would ensure it doesn't get bumped in the future when circumstances could have changed.

Well, that's just my opinion.

Anither excellent analogy mr bj! Well done!

This just shows the advantage of the virtual world over the real world

Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done.

Just for the record... usually this is a last resort, because the debris is so widely scattered throughout the topic that "sanitizing" it would take too long.

As for closing threads. I personally don't think the op should be able to solely decide whether or not it's closed. If i open my mouth and start a conversation in the real world, then i have to accept the way the conversation goes, whether i like it or not. Could you imagine starting a conversation in the pub and then just as it gets going you say "right, i don't want to talk about that anymore, conversation closed"

'Down the pub', the subject gets changed - just a different way of doing the same thing. No 'off-topic' rules down the rubbity...

How about this drama with Wayne Carey? Seems to be going the same way as Britney Spears. Oops - offtopic.

Not all that serious, is it?

Having to close an interesting thread because a small number of people have turned it into a food fight is annoying but something that sometimes has to be done.

Just for the record... usually this is a last resort, because the debris is so widely scattered throughout the topic that "sanitizing" it would take too long.

Could you please try and sanitize the Random Posts thread, Jai Dee. Someone went off topic

As for closing threads. I personally don't think the op should be able to solely decide whether or not it's closed. If i open my mouth and start a conversation in the real world, then i have to accept the way the conversation goes, whether i like it or not. Could you imagine starting a conversation in the pub and then just as it gets going you say "right, i don't want to talk about that anymore, conversation closed"

If it contravenes any rules, it gets closed and if it is no longer a hot topic it will fade away. If it fades away, the op should then be able to request it closed after it has been in limbo for a couple of weeks. This would ensure it doesn't get bumped in the future when circumstances could have changed.

Well, that's just my opinion.

Mr BJ, the issue of being off-topic is not seriously considered by the mods unless it is, as CB says above, a food fight. Flaming and personal insults are usually the trigger.

Your analogy of the pub conversation is a good one... yes, TV is first and foremost a discussion forum... and whilst some topics are allowed a certain amount of leeway with off-topic diversions (for example in the General Forum or the Pub), other topics requesting specific information are kept in line (for example in the Visas Forum or the Health Forum).

That's not too difficult to understand or respect or agree to is it?

Oh... and by the way... sometimes we have left topics open despite pleas from the OP to close it... just to watch them squirm as they receive their just desserts from the other members.

Oh... and by the way... sometimes we have left topics open despite pleas from the OP to close it... just to watch them squirm as they receive their just desserts from the other members.

Sadists.

Oh... and by the way... sometimes we have left topics open despite pleas from the OP to close it... just to watch them squirm as they receive their just desserts from the other members.

Sadists.

You betcha!!!