
Patrick Curtin |

You want to not have to read serious threads. I get that. I really do understand that. The fact is that, after dealing with work, family, etc., you come to these boards for a little frivolity.
What I don't understand is why exactly it is that you are incapable of simply not opening up threads you don't want to participate in.
What I don't understand is why exactly it matters to you where those threads are located. And to answer your question, sometimes you fail Will saves and peek. Kinda like rubbernecking while going by an accident on the highway. You know there's nothing there you want to see, but something in your morbid psyche makes you look anyway. All we want is the abilty to hide all those stupid, pointless threads from our feeds. Then those of you who want to debate if the Pope is an a&$$!#$ or if the Boy Scouts are a hate group can have your own little forum to post your opinions on all the world's ills without anyone bothering you. It's a win-win really, unless your point is to annoy the most people possible, then I guess you would prefer everyone be forced to see it.

LilithsThrall |
LilithsThrall wrote:What I don't understand is why exactly it matters to you where those threads are located. And to answer your question, sometimes you fail Will saves and peek. Kinda like rubbernecking while going by an accident on the highway. You know there's nothing there you want to see, but something in your morbid psyche makes you look anyway. All we want is the abilty to hide all those stupid, pointless threads from our feeds. Then those of you who want to debate if the Pope is an a%&!%%& or if the Boy Scouts are a hate group can have your own little forum to post your opinions on all the world's ills without anyone bothering you. It's a win-win really, unless your point is to annoy the most people possible, then I guess you would prefer everyone be forced to see it.You want to not have to read serious threads. I get that. I really do understand that. The fact is that, after dealing with work, family, etc., you come to these boards for a little frivolity.
What I don't understand is why exactly it is that you are incapable of simply not opening up threads you don't want to participate in.
It doesn't matter to me whether there are seperate areas for frivolous and serious threads. I offered an alternative to that simply in case seperate areas don't get created (and I don't think they will) - because, unlike many people who have posted in this thread - I respect everyone's right to read/write in the OTD on whatever topic they want (as long as it doesn't violate the code of conduct).
And it's -nobody's- fault but your own if you knowingly enter a thread you don't want to enter. Don't hold other people accountable for your lack of willpower.
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I think the root of the problem here is, there's a difference between what "the rules" are and what "the established paradigm on the Paizo messageboard" is, and some people either aren't in on that fact or just don't care. Either option tends to upset the apple cart. That's why I think the suggested "SRS BSNS" section is a good idea.
Personally, I love that the OTD forum folks just like to screw around, and I don't blame them for not appreciating the occasional raisin in their oatmeal. So I try not to make too many raisins. YMM(and in some cases, definitely do)V.

Patrick Curtin |

It doesn't matter to me whether there are seperate areas for frivolous and serious threads. I offered an alternative to that simply in case seperate areas don't get created (and I don't think they will) - because, unlike many people who have posted in this thread - I respect everyone's right to read/write in the OTD on whatever topic they want (as long as it doesn't violate the code of conduct).
And it's -nobody's- fault but your own if you knowingly enter a thread you don't want to enter. Don't hold other people accountable for your lack of willpower.
Nope, I am not holding anyone accountable for my own lack of willpower . I am advocating a way for those of us who end up looking at the threads to have a way to boost our willpower by never seeing those threads in the first place. The same way I closed up the 4e forum about a year and a half ago and haven't been tempted to look in on the stupidity that was the edition wars. And putting [serious] or [frivolous] in front of the thread solves nothing IMO. Of course, thats MOO. YMMV.
And I totally respect your opinion and right to post whatever the f@%! you please. One of the great things about this board in general. I am not advocating banning political/religious threads, all I ask is a way to have them able to be hidden from those of us who don't even want to see the inflammatory thread titles. That's all.

Mairkurion {tm} |

Down with rights-trampling monkeys!
See, the thing about reasoning with people, Pat, is if they don't care about anybody else, reasoning is beside the point. They don't care about your reasons. Hume pointed this out long ago, and Newman built on him. Let's have David Hume/John Henry Newman discussion threads in the Serious Business section!

Patrick Curtin |

Down with rights-trampling monkeys!
See, the thing about reasoning with people, Pat, is if they don't care about anybody else, reasoning is beside the point. They don't care about your reasons. Hume pointed this out long ago, and Newman built on him. Let's have David Hume/John Henry Newman discussion threads in the Serious Business section!
Heh. Since the moment it is created I will be shutting that triangle down and reopening my beloved OTD back up, I won't be discussing anything in that forum. But I will be happy to have a philosophical discussion via FB anytime Dr Double D. I enjoy debates, I just don't enjoy troll fests disguised as debates.

Mairkurion {tm} |

Mairkurion {tm} wrote:Heh. Since the moment it is created I will be shutting that triangle down and reopening my beloved OTD back up, I won't be discussing anything in that forum. But I will be happy to have a philosophical discussion via FB anytime Dr Double D. I enjoy debates, I just don't enjoy troll fests disguised as debates.Down with rights-trampling monkeys!
See, the thing about reasoning with people, Pat, is if they don't care about anybody else, reasoning is beside the point. They don't care about your reasons. Hume pointed this out long ago, and Newman built on him. Let's have David Hume/John Henry Newman discussion threads in the Serious Business section!
Yeah, that's pretty much what I said up a page...I just got a little worked up. Plus I was pulling the monkey's tail.
I'd much rather have a room full of people discussing such things. Or a well-stocked table. And I hate to think that the Paizo boards might get a reputation regarding such discussing that would be unhelpful to both business and community.

Patrick Curtin |

How is this anything but an OTD forum -- for the OTD forum?
I guess I don't get it.
Basically it all depends on what the OTD means. For a lot of us, it's where we go to be random and silly. All we ask is that the other stuff be calved into a separate section. Quite frankly, I'm tired of looking at it all the time. And I know I'm not alone.
All I ask is that the two conflicting areas under the 'OTD' umbrella be separated into their own distinct subforums. No muss, no fuss. No one's hurt or discriminated against, it's just an organizational shift, like adding a miniatures subforum or a Tech talk. Then, in the 'Great Debates' or 'Serious Business' subforum you can discuss whatever you like with all those interested participating without the poodle spam or Smurfs strolling through.

Mairkurion {tm} |

Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.
Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.

Jyu1ch1 |

Jyu1ch1 wrote:Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.
No no, I meant with that way of looking at it aren't those sections "off topic" (like as in not talking about gamming not literally under OTD), anyway my point was pro having a sub form or a form by its self.

taig RPG Superstar 2012 |

Patrick has a point.
We have two diametrically opposed types of threads in OTD: The "silly, wanting to unwind and hang out" threads (let's call that chocolate), and the "somehow, we're going to solve world crises on a gaming messageboard" threads (we'll call this peanut butter). Unfortunately, it means the chocolate will get into the peanut butter, and vice versa. For some people, that's unpleasant.
Contrary to what's been posited by some, I don't think anyone is calling for a curtailment on posting political, religious, and other potentially inflammatory threads (realistically, anytime you bring up a subject like that, it's potentially inflammatory). They're just asking that the peanut butter jar be kept away from the chocolate bars.
(The preceding post was not made under the influence of alcohol or any sort of drugs. YMMV.)

Mairkurion {tm} |

Mairkurion {tm} wrote:No no, I meant with that way of looking at it aren't those sections "off topic" (like as in not talking about gamming not literally under OTD), anyway my point was pro having a sub form or a form by its self.Jyu1ch1 wrote:Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.
I didn't think you were, but I've got your meaning now.

Jyu1ch1 |

Jyu1ch1 wrote:I didn't think you were, but I've got your meaning now.Mairkurion {tm} wrote:No no, I meant with that way of looking at it aren't those sections "off topic" (like as in not talking about gamming not literally under OTD), anyway my point was pro having a sub form or a form by its self.Jyu1ch1 wrote:Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.
Eh. I seem to have problems conveying what I mean over the internet. I prefer talking in person. =3

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Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.

taig RPG Superstar 2012 |

Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
Great idea! That's where the chocolate bars can go, and the peanut butter can stay in OTD.

Spanky the Leprechaun |

Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!
+1+1+1+1vorpal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EPIC F+%+ING WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HUZZAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

taig RPG Superstar 2012 |

I don't think I'd call it 'Serious Topics.'I think 'Politics and Religion' makes more sense, as these are the discussions most people are having. Other than that, though, I have no problem with this idea.
I believe Paizo staff have said they don't want to be seen as promoting separate discussion on politics and religion, which is why Heath requested a more nondescript sub forum name.

Pual |

Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
excellent idea but i'd suggest the name "House of whimsy".

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Celestial Healer wrote:Great idea! That's where the chocolate bars can go, and the peanut butter can stay in OTD.Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
Great idea until the trolls decide they don't like people having fun in the "Sillieness section", then invade and ruin it the way they have with the Off Topic Section.

taig RPG Superstar 2012 |

taig wrote:Great idea until the trolls decide they don't like people having fun in the "Sillieness section", then invade and ruin it the way they have with the Off Topic Section.Celestial Healer wrote:Great idea! That's where the chocolate bars can go, and the peanut butter can stay in OTD.Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
Bring it, I says! We could smurf the crap out of troll threads in the silliness section, and it would be perfectly fine. :)

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Aberzombie wrote:Bring it, I says! We could smurf the crap out of troll threads in the silliness section, and it would be perfectly fine. :)taig wrote:Great idea until the trolls decide they don't like people having fun in the "Sillieness section", then invade and ruin it the way they have with the Off Topic Section.Celestial Healer wrote:Great idea! That's where the chocolate bars can go, and the peanut butter can stay in OTD.Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
Or just flag it as in the wrong section. Or, knowing these boards, flag it and then smurf the crap out of it anyway, just to be sure.
Also, Mr Zombie, Where except OTD would you suggest most of the troll threads go in the current set-up? Despite the fact that the OTD has a history, it really is the place where politics and religion should be discussed. Granted flame bait threads are annoying, but the idea that people are doing this just to anger the OTD community seems a little over the top.
[EDIT] Great. I get Smurfette. Shows what the boards think of my suggestion.

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taig wrote:Great idea until the trolls decide they don't like people having fun in the "Sillieness section", then invade and ruin it the way they have with the Off Topic Section.Celestial Healer wrote:Great idea! That's where the chocolate bars can go, and the peanut butter can stay in OTD.Here's an idea: what if instead of adding a "Serious Business" section, they added a "Silliness" section? That would not be an endorsement by Paizo of anything other than silliness (which is probably in some sort of mission statement anyway).
This way, people wanting substantive discussions don't have to wade through long threads about poodles, hillbillies, and the word "mine". Just like with the word games, sectioning off the silliness would fit right in with the way the boards are laid out, and the end result would be the same as Heathy's proposal.
Except then we could flag posts for not being silly enough! ;)

Mairkurion {tm} |

I don't think I'd call it 'Serious Topics.'I think 'Politics and Religion' makes more sense, as these are the discussions most people are having. Other than that, though, I have no problem with this idea.
As Taig indicated, we know how Paizo has felt about this in the past: A big no, since they don't want to encourage discussion of those on their gaming business website. Calling it something that would take in these topics, without naming and encouraging them, would get around this concern.
Re the other idea:
Whimsy/Light-hearted would only work as a subforum if there were also a Serious subforum, it wouldn't work alone.

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Where except OTD would you suggest most of the troll threads go in the current set-up?
I'd say internet hell, but I'm not sure where that is. Although I'm pretty sure the people who run my office computer systems have something to do with it.
....but the idea that people are doing this just to anger the OTD community seems a little over the top.
To you maybe, but after seeing the postings of these trolls in other areas, I'm not so sure that isn't exactly what they are doing.

Bitter Thorn |

Mairkurion {tm} wrote:Eh. I seem to have problems conveying what I mean over the internet. I prefer talking in person. =3Jyu1ch1 wrote:I didn't think you were, but I've got your meaning now.Mairkurion {tm} wrote:No no, I meant with that way of looking at it aren't those sections "off topic" (like as in not talking about gamming not literally under OTD), anyway my point was pro having a sub form or a form by its self.Jyu1ch1 wrote:Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.
+1 I wish I had some talent for writing.

Emperor7 |

Not to shoot down my own support of this idea, and my knowledge is limited to the sections I lurk in, but I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters. Depending on topic, we can all jump into troll mode from time to time, but the vast majority of Paizo fans are not deliberately dbags. It boils down to personalities, writing styles, and level of social skills moreso that ideology conflicts. Of course, religion and politics 'debates' seem to bring out the worst in people more often than not. Especially when media based. The anger generated by those flare ups spill out into other threads, and so on and so on. Poisoning the well, so to speak.
So I guess I'm back to supporting the Gilligan's Island concept, even if I'm a castaway myself.
I post to escape the moment, I game to escape RL stress.

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....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.
You need a LIST.

Justin Franklin |

Mairkurion {tm} wrote:Eh. I seem to have problems conveying what I mean over the internet. I prefer talking in person. =3Jyu1ch1 wrote:I didn't think you were, but I've got your meaning now.Mairkurion {tm} wrote:No no, I meant with that way of looking at it aren't those sections "off topic" (like as in not talking about gamming not literally under OTD), anyway my point was pro having a sub form or a form by its self.Jyu1ch1 wrote:Well with that way of looking at it isnt TV, Comic, Music, and Book sections OTD? I mean if they have sections what does it hurt to have a "Humanities" (or something) form where you can "discuss" that sort of thing.Actually, no. OTD, unlike other forums, has no subforums. Hence the request to have a Serious Discussions subforum.
Well we keep hearing how you don't know how to use the phone.:)

Garydee |

Emperor7 wrote:
....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.
Aberzombie wrote:
You need a LIST.
It'd be rude to make a list of the names of the trolls that tend to get on the nerves of the others in the OTD. However, the first letters of their names I don't think would be inappropriate.
S......
B......
K......
L......
Z......
Not too hard to figure it out if you think about it.

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Emperor7 wrote:
....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.
Aberzombie wrote:
You need a LIST.It'd be rude to make a list of the names of the trolls that tend to get on the nerves of the others in the OTD. However, the first letters of their names I don't think would be inappropriate.
S......
B......
K......
L......
Z......Not too hard to figure it out if you think about it.
But did you click on the link?

Garydee |

Garydee wrote:But did you click on the link?Emperor7 wrote:
....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.
Aberzombie wrote:
You need a LIST.It'd be rude to make a list of the names of the trolls that tend to get on the nerves of the others in the OTD. However, the first letters of their names I don't think would be inappropriate.
S......
B......
K......
L......
Z......Not too hard to figure it out if you think about it.
Unfortunately, yes. ;)

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Aberzombie wrote:Starts list with Aberzombie at the top. ;PEmperor7 wrote:....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.You need a LIST.
HUZZAH!!! I'M #1!!!

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Sebastian wrote:Hmmm...maybe we could annex an old, unused forum. I can't imagine RGP Superstar 2009 receives any real traffic. Or Dungeon magazine...I say we invade Website Feedback. This can be our beach head.
Hmmm...
To make this plan work, we'll need some straterdgy. Website Feedback is the only section the PMG and Ross read - mostly because they like to laugh at us when we stumble into the traps they set - so I think that's too dangerous.
However, in order to keep our efforts in this new annexed forum hidden, we should flag a bunch of the gamer connection posts as being in the wrong forum to distract Paizo.
P.S. I call dibs on being the Jr. Lord President of this new territory.

Bitter Thorn |

Emperor7 wrote:
....I'm not sure if I can name more than a dozen CONSISTENTLY abrasive posters.
Aberzombie wrote:
You need a LIST.It'd be rude to make a list of the names of the trolls that tend to get on the nerves of the others in the OTD. However, the first letters of their names I don't think would be inappropriate.
S......
B......
K......
L......
Z......Not too hard to figure it out if you think about it.
I'm seem to be painfully obtuse today.

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Studpuffin wrote:Sebastian wrote:Hmmm...maybe we could annex an old, unused forum. I can't imagine RGP Superstar 2009 receives any real traffic. Or Dungeon magazine...I say we invade Website Feedback. This can be our beach head.Hmmm...
To make this plan work, we'll need some straterdgy. Website Feedback is the only section the PMG and Ross read - mostly because they like to laugh at us when we stumble into the traps they set - so I think that's too dangerous.
However, in order to keep our efforts in this new annexed forum hidden, we should flag a bunch of the gamer connection posts as being in the wrong forum to distract Paizo.
P.S. I call dibs on being the Jr. Lord President of this new territory.
Aww but you get to tr... um ki... dominate all the good threads.