Getting "Off Topic"

Despite my better judgment, I'm going to write about something that has really been on my mind lately and seems to be evermore relevant lately.  Sorry Phreak, I have to do it!

Anyone who's spent any amount of time on the forums knows that there is an increasing amount of "flaming" "trolling" and general rudeness lately.  Before I go any further I want to make one very important disclaimer - I am not pointing the finger or singling out any one thread or person!!! - This is just a generalized observation and hopefully a useful suggestion.  I should also say that 99% of the threads on 2o2p are excellent, polite and free from the crap you see in just about every other forum on the web.  Unfortunately it's the 1% that tends to get undeserved attention many times. 

We've all seen a post on a thread be directed toward another poster instead of the topic then watch person B respond to said post, then A responds to that, and before you know it people are running for their flame retardant suits!  Along the way someone, with the best of intentions, will write something along the lines of "It would be nice to get this thread back on topic."  Well that's what I want to address.  The best way to keep a thread on topic is to do just that. STAY ON TOPIC!  If person A says something that person B finds to be a personal attack, the first thing person B should do is take it to PM.  If person A won't clarify, apologize or edit his statement, fine, I think it's perfectly acceptable to defend yourself, and this is important, in a calm, rational way.  Once that's done, leave it.  STAY ON TOPIC!  The other thing that really side tracks a discussion, fuels the fire and isn't really necessary is persons C -Z jumping in to "defend" the honor of their comrade.  Person A or B usually doesn't need your help.  It only makes matters worse and further polarizes the issue.  STAY ON TOPIC!  In fact the thread doesn't really need a mention of getting back on topic.  The best way to do that is to, all together now, STAY ON TOPIC!  If the only thing interesting about the topic of a thread is the flame war within it then just move on, don't post, let the thread die.

I was going to quote a couple of Forum Etiquette pages that I found on other forums on the web.  I don't think we have such a page here.  If we do, you can correct me later.  I changed my mind though.  I shouldn't have to re-write that stuff.  Forum etiquette should be self evident.  I'm glad to have this place to share my thoughts, lame attempts at humor and opinions with other like minded individuals.  Again, 99% of the threads in this place are great, but there's nothing wrong with striving for perfection.  I should also say one more time that I in no way am singling out a specific poster or thread!!!  If you think I'm talking about you, then you're right. I am. I just don't know exactly who "you" are.  I also say all of this knowing that it is entirely possible that I have been part of the problem at times.  If I looked back through my post history I could probably find examples of doing the very things I'm preaching against.  Just because I have lied in the past though doesn't mean I don't tell kids that it's ok to lie.  I know I'll try and do better and hopefully we'll all be able to STAY ON TOPIC!