Thread ownership

[Coredump]

This spawns from a specific incident, but it is a general question.

If someone starts a thread, is it *their* thread? Are they supposed to be able to tell people to not take part because they disagree? Or moreso, can they have the thread closed just because they don't like how the topic is heading?

I was under the impression that the threads, once started, were 'open'/'public', not 'owned'. (of course, assuming staying within the PG's)

 

[EricNoah]

In general...

The person who starts a thread always has the option to have their thread closed.

Derailing a thread (by trying to change the subject) is considered rude. So in a sense, the thread does need to stay on the topic chosen by the thread's creator.

And someone purposely trying to torpedo another person's thread (by posting stuff they know will get it closed) is also considered rude. I *think* the practice has been to try just deleting the offending content and/or post rather than shutting down the whole thread if it's apparent that it's just one person trying to sink a thread. Hasn't happened in a while to my knowledge.

That's probably about the extent of "ownership" of threads here.

 

[der_kluge]

I think there is implicit ownership of threads here.

It probably varies from message board to message board.

If you start a thread, and I end up going off the deep end, and get the thread closed, I'll feel bad, and in the cases where that has happened people (myself included) will often apologize here for closing the other person's thread.

I often make requests in a volatile thread to keep them back on topic if they divert too drastically.

 

[Hand of Evil]

I always have looked at the nature of the thread, some topics are thrown out like a net to gather information, some are more of a fishing line looking to hook a single idea/thought, others a spear. It also has to do with how often the poster comes back to it, with a net it is every now and then, with the line a bit more, with the spear all the time. But it is always the right of the thread creator to ask it be closed.

I guess I don't really know what I am going on about...

 

[Umbran]

Derailing a thread (by trying to change the subject) is considered rude. So in a sense, the thread does need to stay on the topic chosen by the thread's creator.

I'm not sure how strictly that holds, though. It is rude to specifically attempt to derail or hijack a thread, yes. But "topic drift" is also a natural function of discussion, and happens frequently without cheesing anyone off.

But that's getting into more vagueries. The person who started the thread can always ask to have it closed. But if they aren't breaking the rules, are being polite, and are staying on topic, but disagree with the one who starts the thread, there's no real call for editorial control.

 

[diaglo]

i tend to drop a line out the back of my boat with multiple hooks and plenty of bait.

in the dictionary they call this trolling.

 

[Coredump]

In general...

The person who starts a thread always has the option to have their thread closed.

Okay, that really answers my question. I don't agree with that policy, but hey, it isn't my board.


To me if I start a thread, it isn't *my* thread, it is a thread I started. It has its 'own' topic and focus, and those contibuting should respect that. But assuming that is being done, I don't feel I should have the right to shut down their discussion just because it is *my* thread. I feel that starting provides the ability to set the 'agenda', but that is all the priviledge it should provide.


I can see, however, that my beliefs are not the actual policy, and that starting a thread also gives the power of "life or death" for the thread. As was stated to the GM during a recent gaming session. "I disagree, but thats okay."

Thanks for the timely reply.
CD

 

[EricNoah]

It happens only very rarely in any case; I can see why it might seem "odd" if you haven't been around since the beginning.

 

[Morrus]

Well, if you start a conversation with a group of people, you don't get to claim ownership of the conversation. Starting a conversation is an implicit invitation to others to join in and contribute. At that point, it's their conversation as much as yours.

However, there are basic standards of politeness we all expect when conversing with others. We can always excuse ourselves from a conversation which no longer interests us.

 

[diaglo]

exits stage left