Of the 101 threads posted yesterday, 42 were Off Topic (either admittedly, or by my estimation). And that's not counting all the "what are the gas prices in your area" posts, which I'll count as marginal. If 42% of this forum is now off topic, maybe it's time to consider folding up the tent and moving on to something else. On the other hand, I'd much rather see continuing *relevant* posts here. I'm interested in what's happening and enjoy hearing from all of you from all over the world. But it kinda seems like we've lost our focus, dosn't it? Please refrain from all the OT stuff, OK? What do you think? Had enough yet?

-- RPGman (tripix@olypen.com), January 28, 2000

Answers

Have you ever been on USENET?

-- spaceman spiff (spiff@space.com), January 28, 2000.

Most of them are properly labeled. I don't see what the big deal is.

Look, most of the people who come here still are trying to deal with their internet addiction, myself included.

If this page becomes less interesting for most lurkers, and they don't replace coming here with other sites, then they'll have more time for productive activities.

-- nothere nothere (notherethere@hotmail.com), January 28, 2000.

Off-topic is my favorite part of this forum. Always was.

-- what was (the@topic.anyway), January 28, 2000.

If you have been here for any length of time, you would know that the percentage of off topic postings have been in the 25-40% range for at least a year or more. This is many times a one stop reading site.

When interesting postings cease to exist on this forum is when it will become "inactive", as per the many forums hosted by Phil Greenspun. It will happen, eventually. Why pop in to try and hurry it along? Simply move on to another forum that better suits your interests.

-- OR (orwelliator@biosys.net), January 28, 2000.

RPG,

I disagree. This forum has evolved...it was bound to happen. Here is something from one of my previous posts to Lars:

Lars,

Evolution of a forum is natural as outlined in Dee's Theory of Forum Evolution. This is the theory that the world is not constant or recently created nor perpetually cycling, but rather is steadily changing, and that forums are transformed in time.

As for the unifying theme...it's still there...it's simply evolved into a unified "underlying" theme. Please refer to "Dee's Unified Underlying Theme Theory".

True...y2k is a little like finding a Waldo these days...(darn lawyers...sorry Dad), it's not right there in your face anymore... (it's under the seat)...but--you must find a forum that suits your individual interests and needs. Forums are like gloves...they have to fit.

Okay...so we have a few ice balls and chemtrails and oil stories thrown into the mix...it's not so bad mate. Look at it like this: If we had TEOTWAWKI on rollover--none of us would even be online at all. See...it's not so bad. =)

-- Dee (T1Colt556@aol.com), January 28, 2000.

I agree with you guys. I like both T and OT. And BTW, what happened to Jay Urban. I have gotten the greatest chuckles from his posts.

-- Kyle (fordtbonly@aol.com), January 28, 2000.

Does that figure include your own off topic post?

-- O Yeah? (worldpage@aol.com), January 28, 2000.

RPG,

OT posts only bother me when they aren't *labelled* as OT. If they are you don't have to read them if you don't want to. OTOH, "meat & potatoes" gets old after awhile if you don't add spices now and then.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.com), January 28, 2000.

You can always count someones forum age by when they post a "I'm so sick of all the off topic posts" post.

Listen newbie-

If you don't like the subject don't click the thread.

And certainly don't spend your time counting how many threads were off topic in a day and figuring out the percentage and then complain about off topic threads wasting you time?

-- Johnny (jljtm@bellsouth.net), January 28, 2000.

Most of the OT threads are NOT labelled OT......they are crap about the stock market, chemtrails, oil prices etc.

Of course, I guess there has to be something to talk about now that Y2K is finished......

-- Craig (craig@ccinet.ab.ca), January 28, 2000.

Troll Craig why don't you and this guy go start your own "on-topic" forum?

Kinda kill two birds with one stone know what I mean?

-- Johnny (jljtm@bellsouth.net), January 28, 2000.

Sorry, but the forum has evolved into a general doomer format. Anything bad happens, post it here. Its like we take the cream of the bad news and dump it here because essentially we're a bunch of gawkers and rather than causing traffic jams on the freeway, extra pollution and wasting precious fuel we log on and come here. Its a win win scenario, don't you think?

But I'll whine with you on one topic and that's chemtrails, my pet peeve. Those posts make me wince.

-- Guy Daley (guydaley@bwn.net), January 28, 2000.

RPGman-- I don't get your concern, and others, with off topic posts. The whole "melting pot" of ideas has been the reason i have enjoyed this forum for the last year. Thank god this forum wasn't 100% Y2k for the last year! i would have been Y2k overdosed big time! I realize the name of the forum is Timebomb2000 and relates to Y2k. I also realize that is the reason we all started here in the first place. But i agree with Dee, the key word is evolve. Some of the most intelligent and sensible things i havre read have been on this forum. It's a stand out because of the diversity of subjects(yes, some do get a little too far out there!).I'm sticking around cause i think it will only get better as the forum gets it's footing post Y2k.

-- dory (crtwheel@eburg.com), January 28, 2000.

OT? So what! Troll elsewhere. Debunkers I here is really on topic these days. Hey, how about some OT Bible qoutes.

And Judas went out and hanged himself.

Go thou and do likewise.

-- justwondering (justwondering@trollsareunstable.com), January 28, 2000.

Quit yer bitchin'. If you don't like it, please leave.

-- TrollStomper (DoomersUnited@TB2000.Net), January 28, 2000.

Limit this forum to true Y2K issues, and there's no forum. Y2K, as a significant issue, died.

Oh...I forgot about Mr Way. Sorry.

-- ImSo (lame@prepped.com), January 28, 2000.

Y2K was not even a bump in the road. Y2K issues have become very boring. Y2K is dead, but some are still trying desperately to keep it alive.

-- ... (...@...com), January 28, 2000.

I was a lurker here from around July of last year, and up until recently never posted to the board. The thing that kept me coming back on a regular basis was the variety of topics that I would find here at TB2000, and in my humble opinion the OT subjects combined with Y2K issues are one of the main ingredients that has made TB2000 the GREAT BB that it is. And quite frankly if its allowed to continue down that path I doubt it will ever die. Thats my two cents worth for whatever its worth.

Zguy

-- Zguy (keep@ot.com), January 28, 2000.

Ok guys, here's my point. I *like* most of the posts on this forum. I just would appreciate the OT stuff *labeled* as such, and maybe restrained a little (you know, self-control). I just don't like having to wade through dozens of irrelivant posts reading incongruous subject lines trying to figure out if its worth reading. Do *you* like deciphering stuff like this?...

* - Clinton's Speech * - U.S. Census-- Invasion Of Privacy?! * - Hmmmm ...this ***could*** be big, Silver up 14 cents today * - Janet Reno belongs behind bars * - Character counts * - New Madrid Earthquake Activity * - John McCain....Senator, War Hero, The right man for "THE" job! * - U.S. defense secretary says he will visit China * - U.S. to press China on encryption rules * - No justices to attend Clinton speech tonight * - Soliciting recommendations for new forums * - Currencies & valuation question * - Chemtrails/Contrails over East Central Florida * - Paging GREYBEAR!! * - Seems like more and more CA earthquakes lately

There are serious things happening out there, and I want to know about them. There must be a better place for all this frivolous stuff.

Keeping my preps, by the way.

-- RPGman (tripix@olypen.com), January 28, 2000.

I agree with the above statment, TB2000 has turned into a great place to come and find out the lastest info on a number of different topics, from current politicial events and opinions, Y2K, rumors, utilities, industry and the far-fetched. It is the first and last thing I check every day. You can hardly beleive the crap they are trying to feed you in the media, but you can come here and get perspective from many different angles, both doomer and polly. All have good points, some good, some not, but it makes you think about it instead of just having it spoon feed to you by TPTB, then rolling over and playing dead. I think it is great, and hope it continues on, what ever the topic may be. This is the future if you ask me, we are going to be discussing the news like in a great big coffee shop, exchanging ideas and opinions and coming to are own conclusions, not just mearly have them fead to us!

-- oboy (oboy@oboy.cxom), January 28, 2000.

RPGman, Don't like the conversation? Just get on your pony and ride.

-- H fats Kissinger (draconionsolutions@uselesseaters.com), January 28, 2000.

RPGman,

I must be a "Prime Suspect" on your list.(grin)
The *Focus* for me is the possible impact a story, article, news flash, or web site has on our community - hence my "name".
Most of the article categories I post are Business/Finance or International/Global Trade. If you pull down the list of categories when on the "Ask a Question" page, you will get the "approved" list of topics to post - It is a rather long list(go try it...).
The subject line of 95% of the threads will *tell* you if you should _click_ and open that thread. I am sorry if any of my titles have caused you to click "in error".
I read very fast ~900 - 1200 WPM (depends on subject, format , etc...) and can see in an instant if an article is going to interest me. I sometimes forget that others don't absorb information as quickly.
I see many things impacting our world, country, community, family, and me personally.
Having traveled in Europe and Africa, I have an increased interest in world affairs than when I was younger. I do systems analysis work and must train myself to see the "big picture" in things. When researching current events and history, I try to apply those skills to understanding what is happening in our world. My posts are, to me, the data points or general background to significant events around the world. Y2K is significant, but the information in my 'exotic' articles from around the world can impact you just as strongly, IMHO.

-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), January 28, 2000.

RPGman

This board is evolving. You should do the same.

-- justwondering (justwondering@trollsareunstable.com), January 28, 2000.

I'm rather partial to the word... "morph."

Some people pick up on labeling OT: at the start of a thread, others even actually try to give a clue about what the thread topic starts with (doesn't mean it ends up there though).

Suspect this may become the "global internet current newz, 'n opinion, and singin' the bluz e-cafe..." sans lattes. Or not.

Time will tell.

Changes daily. It's all what posters make of it.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), January 28, 2000.

If you think that this situation started one year or so ago, you haven't been here long enough.I see no problem with it. I don't agree with what a lot of these people say, but I like to read their opinions. Nuff said!

Best wishes,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), January 28, 2000.

I vote the name TimeBomb2000 stays.
Also please continue the many topics and postings dealing with current issues of the day.

For example, coming here informed me about chemtrails, which is not exactly news because the Australian military experimented with it once upon a time, apparently. It was called BZ spray then, and broadcasted a massive valium type of substance by crop-dusting to dull down the people. Dry runs were made according to my contact who actually participated in the test plans. He thinks it is entirely possible that those chemtrail posters on this forum noticing extensive extra curricula activity are voicing valid concerns, but then he did Viet Nam and other special things. (He thinks diesel fumes and city life stinks too.) When I expressed doubt he quoted off the cuff a variety of weather statistics necessary to spray Adelaide at a certain height and so many yards out to sea, and the quantity needed. Sounded convivial indeed; a regular cocktail of his imagination?

So, failing a digital calamity yet, I think a serruptitious sneaky bomb is ticking, a world wide TimeBomb2000. Keep up the different posts, more than once they have triggered inquiries that hopefully help make a better world.

Awareness is paramount, tick, tickity, tick,.....

Regards from OZ

-- Pieter (zaadz@icisp.net.au), January 29, 2000.