As one of the moderators of the forum, I should be one to really set an example to everyone else, but at times even I "get lost within the family" that resides on this forum.  Looking back at a number of threads recently, I'm seeing many of them getting entirely off topic from the original poster's comments and questions.

Therefore, I need to remind everyone (including myself) to try to keep on topic within the threads.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Terry

Squirrel!

Im guilty of the above. I admit it.

Oh, yes.  I knew this one would get off topic, and that is fine as long as we all try to stay on topic elsewhere.  That is ESPECIALLY true if an original poster is asking specific questions and does not go off the topic of those questions "himself."  It can be irritating to ask a question about sewer hookup, for instance, and then end up with 15 posts about seeing a new guy with an RV get into trouble with a black tank dump.  Even if the two "topics" are somewhat related, the anecdotal stuff doesn't answer the question.

While it is a bit difficult to enforce, it is always better that new folks try to introduce themselves in their own thread in the "Introduce Yourself" category instead of chiming in on someone else's "original introduction" and saying, "I'm new too."  Because everyone here is so friendly, they all then want to "welcome" the second person as well and things can really get off topic.

While Howard has never really forced enforcement upon everyone, he has himself suggested staying on topic.  Who knows, he may one day decide to "deputize" Gene and I to really crack down on things.  At present, I think we mostly only delete inappropriate comments and spammer's comments.

Scrappy,

I had considered a "catch-all" thread such as you described, but on one forum where I participate (non RV-related), one such thread has reached 3,699 PAGES of absolute nonsense as of today.  At roughly 14 posts per page, that is 51,786 comments.  I don't even get on that one myself because there is no rhyme nor reason for any of it.  You can be assured that every time someone does a "search" function, that one pops up.  Plus, the moderators on that forum, like here, have to read each and every comment to insure things don't get out of hand.

Terry

Thanks for the reminder Terry.  This is a HUGE Pet Peeve of mine.

There is so much great information on this forum, it is a shame when a great topic gets diluted by comments that have nothing to do with the original post.  Terry & Gene, don't be afraid to delete the off-topic comments ... even if they are mine. 

A couple of other reminders:

1. When posting a new topic (other than in Community Chat), be sure to give the topic a good descriptive title that matches the post and makes it easier for those searching for the topic.

2. Don't be afraid to start a new topic rather than starting a new conversation in an old thread - even though it may be "on topic", often it's a new question, so start a new topic/thread.

Thanks everyone for continuing to make this the best, friendliest RV Forum on the web.     

We use creamy peanut butter.

Jim