I don't agree on the moving the thread part. Even if it's not "vital" IMHO. Whenever possible, a thread should be moved to it's proper place. And as long as a Moderator puts in the link to it's new location...what's the problem?

If people see too much leeway being given and too many off-forum threads being tolerated...guess what? You're gonna get even more of them...guaranteed.

Many folks are lazy. Or just want to post where they are known. Or where they think it will get the most readership and/or response...all without regard to organization. Those types of behavior should not be encouraged in that individual and others by "looking the other way" too often, IMHO.

If folks see just proper forum topics, and those that are not being quickly (but nicely) moved...they will quickly learn and adapt.

IMHO.

My only advise for Moderators is if you're going to relocate a thread, please make doubly sure you are relocating it to a proper forum! The most common mistake I see being made is not in the judgment that the thread doesn't belong where it was originally posted. What I have seen most is some poor judgment (but rare mind you) on where it's moved to!

I've seen too many travel questions being moved to OMNI, for example. Instead of TravelBuzz or some other Travel forum where it might actually belong.

Nothing makes a Moderator's action look more loopy than moving an off-forum thread to some other forum that it also doesn't belong in!

But 99% of the time, I think Moderators are doing a great job. Here's to The Great Relocate-rs! Thanks for making FlyerTalk a better travel resource for those that appreciate a well organized, monitored and on-topic bulletin board!

The less chaff, the more attractive it is to newcomers too, IMHO. It's what separates FlyerTalk from those other internet newsgroups and unmoderated boards.