Do you find it annoying when your answers to questions are off topic?

I don’t mind as long as the answers had a natural progression and it is still somewhat related and interesting. It depends what type of question it is. Some are very matter of fact and a clear cut answer. While others are more discussion oriented and discussions naturally tend to drift around a little.

I’m not annoyed by it, because it’s just the natural evolution of most conversations. People begin talking about one topic, which leads to tangents, asides, and other topics.

Yeah if it was related or a few posts sure but 20 posts later talking about how your dog is doing and everyone talking about marriage and a completely different topic than my question I just find odd.

I think I’ll stop using that forum lol

It’s a tough line to walk. Imagine yourself asking a question at a party. Get a few answers then go with the flow of where the conversation leads. That’s how friends are made, networking accomplished, and employment possibilities are elevated.

BTW… If you expect 100% serious answers on this thread, then perhaps it should be moved to general category, rather than social.

I don’t care & probably encourage it anyway, the way I see it is this, it’s my question but the thread itself belongs to the “community”...let the dice fall how they may.

With conversation that is different. But if I’m on a forum about career advice with strangers I don’t see how it is appropriate when I get just on answer and then people start random conversations on my post? Again, reality I get it and of course we all do it but when it comes to a career forum with a question seeking guidance…I don’t see how helpful at all it is when they start talking about something off topic for 30 posts

I like cheese.
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No it really doesn’t bother me as long as I get a couple on topic responses that answer my question.

I like potatoes.
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Your key term @chelle21689 discussing ”...career advice with strangers…” should provide clues to the problem you’re having. That’s why they call them “strangers”… They do strange things.

I’ve left some websites because of these reasons. Some websites don’t have any strong policies or decent moderation to keep threads from being hijacked.

I hate when I order food in a restaurant and the order gets mixed up with someone else’s when I’ve already had to wait for it longer than anyone else at the table.

Potatoes and cheese are both good, though.

I stand behind my responses: Double your money back if not completely satisfied!

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No. If I really need the answers to stay on topic, I post in General. Otherwise, I usually expect threads to eventually be hijacked and devolve into friendly chatter or food fights.

Yes it does. I try to click unfollow question most times.

If I am asking a serious question and the answers are important to me, I will get annoyed if the conversation drifts or if someone takes over the thread by focusing on a side issue. I tend to put those questions in General.

on fluther I usually post on general so that’s different. Fluther does a great job but indeed doesn’t.

When I want people to stay on topic, I use the General category, the social is mostly a free for all.

Not if the puns are good.

I can see how it could be annoying but sometimes everything that can be said has been said, and then it goes off topic. How many times has a Mod said, “GET BACK ON TOPIC YOU MORONS!”...and there are no more responses after that.

Yes. This is why most of my questions are placed in General. It’s very annoying when I need help with something and then everyone ends up talking about food. I was very happy when the site changed and gave us different areas to ask questions.

Oh, yeah. I like food, too, @jonsblond. Food is good.

Food is good. Pancakes are best. Bisquick pancakes are THE best.