[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Ken Leung

Interesting point. Thank you for bringing that up.

My question is, does having a Chit Chat section really gather up the noises in the area area?

I think it does, to a certain extend. People who want to chat to other people about some random stuff do post in the chit chat forum. But those are things completely unrelated to FIRST. I do not think those topic will reach over to the main forum is there is no place for it. Things like video games, evil laughter, etc.

I say it does to a certain extend because I've observed that threads to get off topic in the main forum with or without the Chit Chat section, though most are still some what related to FIRST, or some inside jokes few people share among themselves. Those will remain there with or without the chit chat section.

I want to touch on the point of the possibility that having the chit chat section may be affecting the main forum in a negative way. Lots of new members come into the chit chat forum, sense the loose attitude of posting without a certain reservation, and repeat the same attitude in the regular forums. The regular veteran posters will post because they have something to contribute, others I've seen will post because they can. That may or may not come from the chit chat section.

I've also noticed some threads in chit chat that are very political. Those kind of threads have caused many flaming wars, and may be what Meabury is talking about. Those discussions sometimes grow beyond control and have to be closed by moderators. In a way, that's not the best things to expose to the FIRST community.

I am not sure I fully understand the full impact of the chit chat section on the entire forum. It can go one way or the other. I suspect some of both is happening (chit chat section help containing the off topics, and chit chat section help increasing the off topics). Any insightful inputs will be greatly appreciated.

Speaking of politically induced headaches whatever happened to SilenceNo More?