Does this forum really need an 'Off Topic' section

Six weeks Gerard ? Where I live they call it the 'Achttiendaagse veltocht' (18 day campaign !)...and don't forget the 'phoney war' - Drew doesn't !

...and if you can persuade your comrades to release the Kremlin's hoard of captured documents relating to May 1940, we could take the discussion a step further:p

 

Six weeks Gerard ? Where I live they call it the 'Achttiendaagse veltocht' (18 day campaign !)...and don't forget the 'phoney war' - Drew doesn't !

...and if you can persuade your comrades to release the Kremlin's hoard of captured documents relating to May 1940, we could take the discussion a step further:p
If those documents were released comrade Rich, we would have to shoot whoever saw them

Indeed you are right, we shouldnt forget the phony war!

 

I'd hate to think that I'd have to put a necktie on before logging in to the forum

 

Phoney war Komrad Gerardski :p

I kind of agree with Rich and Di. Prior to posting this I just had a look in the Barracks section for two minutes and there is a lot of rubbish in there that is just a quote from a pants newspaper for example that has no bearing of truth in the article. I just don't see the point of some of the threads in there. Yes I am guilty of posting in it as I'm sure most are but that said I would miss it if it went to the forum heaven.

After all this is a WW2 Forum and not a current affairs forum.

Just my :twocents: worth :p

 

In another thread I found this, if I may appropriate the words of another member:

I like this forum. I am allowed to sit quietly in the corner and learn alot from members whose knowledge and experience never fails to amaze me. We don't have flame wars,trolls or an over abundance of "what if " threads that really are just fantasy .
Its a bit like my favourite pub.Long may it remain so....
Arkrite...( a strong believer in if I don't know what I am on about then listen and learn something) from over in the corner.

Which atmosphere do we prefer, a cozy pub or the reading room of some very knowledageable but very highbrow research institute?

What would the men and women whose lives we celebrate want?

 

I'm comfortable using the comparison with a cosy pub but Off Topic is the noisy one-armed-bandit in the corner played by the yobbo who's drunk too much snakebite and is about to decorate the floor.

 

I think it is fine as it is

shows we are human and whilst some posts are way off topic,the main stay here is WW2 in all its forms

 

In another thread I found this, if I may appropriate the words of another member:

Quote (originally posted by Za Rodinu):

The butterfly effect is a term used in Chaos Theory to describe how tiny variations can affect giant systems, and complex systems, like weather patterns. The term butterfly effect was applied in Chaos Theory to suggest that the wing movements of a butterfly might have significant repercussions on wind strength and movements throughout the weather systems of the world, and theoretically, could cause tornadoes halfway around the world.
I think it applies here too.

 

I'm comfortable using the comparison with a cosy pub but Off Topic is the noisy one-armed-bandit in the corner played by the yobbo who's drunk too much snakebite and is about to decorate the floor.

As a matter of fact, comparing to other fora I lurk in from time to time, this one shows a surprising amount of discipline in that regard, i.e., rarely do topics go off on a tangent

 

I'm comfortable using the comparison with a cosy pub but Off Topic is the noisy one-armed-bandit in the corner played by the yobbo who's drunk too much snakebite and is about to decorate the floor.

I've never noticed the drunken yobbo, but then I'm oblivious to most things. I've only just noticed Za's trampolining elephant.

 

I've only just noticed Za's trampolining elephant.

I would like to know how Za got it to do that!!!!!!

I think it is important to have a section where people can discuss something that does not fit the scope of this forum, but they want to know more or make a point etc. It also can be a good laugh, which we all need!
Also if you dont want to read anything in the section, then dont look at it.

regards

Robert

 

When I first joined the forum, in 2006, I was quite content to have the stock Avatar which, for veterans at that time,was a Generals peaked cap.

As I got a bit of time in, I swapped it for a pic of me in Cairo.

Subsequently Owen then generously placed a 78 Div Flash on the left of the Avatar and finally, with his & Peter Gs help, I had the magnificent logo that now graces all my posts.

Why bother to mention this at all ?

Well, up to now I'd always felt that the Avatar had started to get a little OTT (over the top) ..............that was, until I spotted Za's bouncing elephant

I am now thinking of asking Owen & Peter G to see if they can fix me up with a 76 trombone marching band that plays music every time the you visit the thread.

So,going back to the original title of this thread "Does this forum need an "Off Topic" section.

Where else would we get to discuss this type of subject/rubbish ?

Ron

 

nothing wrong with a bouncing elephant. It would have been better if it was blue

Keep the Barracks section (I would have nothing else to post in)

 

Never mind all the detailed, expert information and advice found on this forum, the professionalism and research and hours of labour freely given when a question of complex and intricate delicacy is asked, sod all that I JUST LOVE THAT BOUNCING ELEPHANT!

 

I say leave it as is.

The thread is easy enough to scroll past as I do 99% of the time however sometimes I come across something that I would like to share that has bugger all to do with any war.

It also tends to be a comfort zone for some.

 

Nothing wrong with chilling out in the Barracks for a while before going to war.

I remember when I first joined the forum, I had to ask why people were discussing the best way to make Pizza when this was a WW2 forum? I was then kindly made aware that the barracks were for off topic conversations.

Although I did find it a bit odd at first, I soon realised that the barracks are where we all get to know each other over a bit of banter and a pint.

I say keep the back room of the pub open to WW2talk members.

 

I would say leave things as they are, if a section is not liked then don't read it.

 

I don't think that we need a poll on this one chaps. I'll get me coat !

Oh yeah, between the lot of us, I think we've dragged this seriously-intended thread well into the realms of O/T.

 

To be fair I can really understand the notion behind this... let's be kind and say that the Barracks brings out some idiosyncracies which can be a little offputting to people dropping in.

However conversley it also builds the character of the site, is completely voluntary to look in/post and is a great way of discussing topics with mates you've made on the site, who you wouldn't otherwise talk to and who might share your interest in cats.

 

I don't think that we need a poll on this one chaps. I'll get me coat !

Oh yeah, between the lot of us, I think we've dragged this seriously-intended thread well into the realms of O/T.
Rich, feedback is always appreciated and although I dont agree with your opinion, I do believe you were right to "float the balloon".