New Topic Posting Guideline (Please Read)

[Xiahou]

After some discussion, staff believes that large catch-all threads aren't the most conducive to open discussion. For example, rather than putting all posts relating to anything about President Trump in one thread, more targeted threads about the individual issues should make for easier reading and discussion.

We'd like to ask our posters to think of these guidelines and try to apply them to their new posts. Also, moderators may, at their discretion, split large threads or even lock threads that have wandered well off their original topic.

In short: More topical threads. Less omnibus threads.
Thanks. :bow:

[Montmorency]

Omnibus threads could still be useful for those posts that aren't part of a single cohesive topic, yet somehow fit in the larger thread.

For example, in the Syria Thread there has been thorough discussion of the war as a whole, from philosophical, political, foreign policy, and military perspectives. This at times was mixed with the subject of chemical weapons, as deployed in this region and in general, which arguably would have better suited a separate thread. But there have also been isolated posts on individual events within the war, and the personalities or organizations involved. An article about Mosul being retaken, or the qualities of the Syrian or Iraqi army/rebels/ISIS/Al Qaeda may not merit a separate thread.

[Hooahguy]

Omnibus threads could still be useful for those posts that aren't part of a single cohesive topic, yet somehow fit in the larger thread.

For example, in the Syria Thread there has been thorough discussion of the war as a whole, from philosophical, political, foreign policy, and military perspectives. This at times was mixed with the subject of chemical weapons, as deployed in this region and in general, which arguably would have better suited a separate thread. But there have also been isolated posts on individual events within the war, and the personalities or organizations involved. An article about Mosul being retaken, or the qualities of the Syrian or Iraqi army/rebels/ISIS/Al Qaeda may not merit a separate thread.

Right. So we arent banning the omnibus threads, they do serve their purpose, like how you mentioned. The threads are good places to post an article or two which might spawn a short discussion. But the more major discussions should have their own threads.

Would people be receptive to renaming the various threads as "Miscellaneous (topic) thread" in order to facilitate this?

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Right. So we arent banning the omnibus threads, they do serve their purpose, like how you mentioned. The threads are good places to post an article or two which might spawn a short discussion. But the more major discussions should have their own threads.

Would people be receptive to renaming the various threads as "Miscellaneous (topic) thread" in order to facilitate this?

Maybe we should call them "Watch" threads.

A little pompous, perhaps, but the idea being that those threads collect information on the topic, as opposed to containing structured discussion.

[Viking]

Would something like a random political thoughts thread for the Backroom be a good idea? There are times where I'd like to e.g. post short comments on different news items, or comments or thoughts that would be better suited for the Backroom; but where starting a new thread doesn't seem relevant. In practice, it could also act as an occasional incubator for new threads.

I might be inclined to set the bar a little higher than the Frontroom thread does, however; so maybe there are more suitable thread titles (like "The commentariat", or whatever).

[CameronEaston]

Thanks for sharing