I've received complaints and questions already about what I just wrote above.
We can for sure allow occasional off topic social comments in a thread without having to strictly enforce rules and censor out every off topic comment that ever gets made in any thread. It's called common sense. One remark that isn't exactly on topic in a thread doesn't constitute derailment. But when we start branching into multiple pages of "hello kitty" kind of replys in a post that was started for the purpose of requesting a feature as in this case, I think common sense says that conversation has been derailed.
As explained in these supplemental site rules in effect in this section:
http://www.eq2flames.com/showthread.php?t=7
The OP has the right, WITHIN REASON AND BASED ON COMMON SENSE, to declare that his or her thread has been derailed from the topic originally intended. The OP is then entitled to ask for that topic to get back on track. The Admins will enforce the OP's wishes in every case when a derailment has obviously occured.
Usually, the Admins will never intervene and act like mods without such a complaint unless things have gotten really, really stupid, again based on common sense. This is equally fair to everyone, because it allows the OP to specify the rules in a post from the get go, and then expect everyone to follow those rules thereafter, within reason of course.
This will allow every type of person to enjoy themselves on this site. People who want to read and participate in serious posts are able to do that without interference from people who would rather debate who could win an ultimate fighting competition title match between Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony.
On the other hand, someone who wants to start a spam bump post about whether Jonny Quest liked Jello Brand Gelatin better than Jello Brand Pudding can also do that. The OP of such a post will also be able to prevent a serious poster from derailing such a thread with a discussion about politics or (oh nos) EQ2.
When the call is made by the OP for his or her post to get back on track when it has been derailed, the Admins will enforce the OP's desire, based on the topic or rules specified in the first post of the thread.
But definitely, absolutely and positively, just because a couple threads get out of control and nobody has complained about that doesn't mean the admins have to immediately either strictly enforce all or nothing rules against occasional off topic social comments.
Enforcement can continue on a case by case basis using common sense and based on the rules and topic set by the OP of a thread, as explained in the post I linked above.
Re: [Request] Quick Reply.
