I see things are way off topic again. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Wrye, perhaps you can give instructions on how to start a new thread.
I wouldn't say it is "way" off topic. The parking and traffic issues go hand in hand in the Philippines. There needs to be a little wiggle room for conversation to happen in threads. The thread was certainly heading in the wrong direction though. Please use the "Report" link under a post you feel is off-topic in the future. Calling out off-topic posts within a thread only takes the conversation further off the rails and can make people feel unwelcome to post. We went from something that could be arguably related (parking and traffic) to something that has absolutely nothing to do with parking (how to use a spoiler and the report button, testing forum features and me publicly having this conversation that should have happened behind the scenes or in its own thread). I understand the need for threads to stay on topic but users need to help with reporting off-topic content. I have a real job and many days I do not have the time to read every post made....and that can build up quickly. When content is reported I get a visible notification at the top of my screen and these are the first things I deal with when I load up the forum. I also get notifications when a post is made in the announcements and feedback sub-forums.. If reports are 0 and no issues are posted in the proper sub-forum I go about reading the forum at my leisure. Have to go get lunch now, I'll fix this thread when I get back.
I find, if someone annoys oneself, it is very easy to click on "Ignore" to put an end to that 'problem' or simply skip over the Post or Comments made and move along to the next Thread/Post/Comment... Easy Peasy! (I hope this was an On-Topic reply?)
It really shouldn't have to come to ignoring a user. Going off-topic is not a malicious action and I don't think anyone is doing it to troll or be an *sshole. There are just certain personalities that, when put together, tend to go off on tangents regularly. Everyone posting on the forum does leave helpful information and it is not beneficial to ignore someone because of an occasional off-topic post. The ignore feature is more appropriately reserved for users that have personal issues with each other and simply cannot remain civil on the forum.
I agree 100% with what you say, however; some people easily get their panties in a bunch when they take a dislike to another member for whatever petty reasons may exist, it maybe something as simple as "Grumpy Old man Syndrome", it happens in every Forum on the WWW. Instead of pulling up their Big Girl Panties, they take exception to someone, and it festers, it happens. "Move Along" There are topics which interest some but not others, the same goes for posts made by other members, if something does not interest me I skip over and move along to the next post, I try to only give positive ratings and ignore those I may have with issues with for whatever reasons. Life is too short to spend it with S**T on the Liver Syndrome. If you do not like a Post/Poster, then simple; do not read it and move along, if someone's posts annoy you to the point of rage and you lack the ability to move on and ignore, then simply ignore that person and you no longer see those posts. Problem solved! 'If the complaint' was in regards to the Underground Car Park thread Dr. Shiva and I commented on, then I still feel it is relevant what was posted (moved to transport thread) regards WHY a 1000+ Car Park is being built/NEEDED in this city, when introducing Buses or E-Bikes to remove the amount of noisy polluting Tricycles in operation would clean up the problem. But I have my big Girls Panties on and can live with your decision to move for what reasons you deem best, now to move along and do something that interests me... "Live Long & Prosper"
Some topics naturally lead to side topics for a particular poster, not all members will see the tie between the two as they have different experiences. Also some side topics quickly gain momentum, maybe even gathering more interest than the original topic. I find the Mods are generally very good at spotting run away side topics and splitting them off into a topic of their own thread (like this one). They are not perfect however so a "Hey Mods, this xyz topic seems to have a mind of its own, can you split it off?" post or a pm to one of them or Dustin may 'clean up the topic' a bit faster.
I understand both sides of the off-topic issue. Unfortunately this is one of those things that no matter what is done someone isn't going to be completely satisfied (or perhaps even displeased). I think we should just all let this one go and move on, it really isn't that big of an issue.
