Proposal: Lounge/Off-Topic Threads Do Not Count Toward Post Count
 

Since there has been much recent discussion in various threads in this forum and others about whether or not Lounge/Penalty Box/etc threads should count in one's post count or not, I would like to officially open it up for discussion and TB opinion to consolidate those points of discussion. My own personal opinion is that they shouldn't, but I also understand that this discussion could be predicated on whether or not members of the TB would rather have posts count in the OMNIs, which is also an ongoing discussion at this time. But here is a place to start, anyway.

I'm with you. If the TB deems posts in Omni don't count, then I think that Lounge thread posts shouldn't count either OR they should be moved to Omni.

If the TB decides to allow Omni posts to count (again) then I have no problem with lounge threads counting as well.

Off-topic discussions should be treated equally on FT.

We've approached IB as to whether this is feasible and the answer was that it is not feasible to make posts in one thread count and posts in another thread not count, within the same forum.

I think a reasonable solution would be for lounge threads to be moved to OMNI, but a link should be left pinned in the original forum.

However, I still think that off-topic posts are a moderation issue, not a TB one.

And technically, the TOS only forbids posts that are off-topic and "stray from the subject of the thread" If the thread is a lounge thread where any topic goes, than posts within it aren't technically off-topic. Again, I believe this is a moderators decisions to make.

So wait a minute... you've been following my every post on this subject and keep saying it's a moderation issue and against the TOS.

Now you're saying that it's a moderation issue and against the TOS, unless the moderators say it's not by allowing it to remain in a M&P forum in a lounge thread.

Lounge and every other OT threads can stay as long as the same post credit is given to omni threads.

Lots of things in the TOS are up to the moderator's discretion. I believe that the spirit of the TOS indicates that Lounge Threads should be in OMNI. However, I can see how a moderator, taking a literal interpretation of the TOS, could decide that posts in Lounge Threads are on-topic for those threads.

That's pretty clearly what has happened in these cases, since the Lounge Threads have remained in the M&P forums for years.

Ultimately, its the Community Directors call as to whether or not the moderators are enforcing the TOS correctly. I just don't believe TB has a role in that fight.

I would suggest locking this thread under the situation. Otherwise we're all going to be subject to cruel and inhuman punishment... readers and posters alike. ;)

Back on topic. I agree with the OP.

dh

As much as I am in the neutral on keeping the posting counts or having OMNI posts counts, I disagree with the notion that lounges be moved to OMNI.

Take away the post counts is fine, moving it to OMNI? Umm.. No thank you!

One thing that would be technically feasible to achieve this: a suggestion to move OT threads to a forum where posts aren't included in the publicly-displayed post count tally attached to an FT member ID. I'm just not sure what "problem" that solves, so this suggestion strikes me as being: (a) "solution" in search of a "problem"; and/or (b) a veiled concern about something more.

Consistency counts, doesn't it? As consistency is lacking, I read the same post as being as clear as mud.

Let all posts count.. If someone wants to go on a posting binge in one of the Omni threads, let them.. After all post counts don’t mean anything, right?

My personal opinion says that this is an interesting idea, might be worth pursuing..

My dilemma is, should all posts count or should Lounge posts don't count? Either way I am fine, since I am neutral on this issue..

Right. FTs doesn't allowed to reactivated the post count in OMNI/PR anymore. As long as you behave to post in OMNI/PR. You have stays within the rules. I can't denying why they want to reinstating the post count in OMNI. It's up to moderations decision. Not yours.

MHO is things are fine the way they are. If you're starting down the path that only certain posts should count where does it end? Should my wishing you a happy birthday in a Community thread post not be counted either? Not count all the "+1" posts? You can rewrite the rules on an almost continual basis and the community will simply adapt or change so MHO is I don't see the need to consider such a proposal. That is only MHO and YMMV, of course. :)

+1 ^