08-07-2002, 03:38 AM
|
|
Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
|
|
Why we have the "Off Topic" category
I've had a couple complaints over the past week from people who want the site to remain focused on Pocket PCs, and they seem concerned over the non-Pocket PC nature of some of our posts.
There are generally three reasons why we do off-topic posts:
1) We find something of great importance that we want to share with you, and we think you'll find it useful
2) We want to vent about something, sing the praises of something, or generally share some small part of our lives with you
3) It's a slow news day for Pocket PCs and we want to generate some discussion on the site and give some people a reason to come back
The aspartame thread was way out there, and not something I'm likely to do again, but it falls under the first category. If I discovered something I felt was very important, I'd feel compelled to post it. If it ticks off 1% of you, but benefits the other 99%, so be it. My post on the digital video editing book, Marlof's post with his photos - those are all "type two" posts. We like to think that even if it's not directly related to Pocket PCs, you'll enjoy reading our posts because it may spark discussion on something we have in common.
The Apple posts today were simply the result of a slow news day - I think it's fun to debate and mix it up over topics like this. If that doesn't interest you, you're certainly not obligated to click on the discussion link and read it all - at worse you've wasted 10 seconds reading the 300 word intro I wrote.
I would, however, like your opinion on this. More off-topic, less, or none at all? Vote in the poll and give me your comments.
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 03:42 AM
|
|
Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
|
|
You forgot #4!
4) Ed finds something totally stupid and posts it on a Friday afternoon!
Look for another one this friday. :lol:
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 03:46 AM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 110
|
|
Keep it like it is!!!!!!!
Ohh.... let's cry because of the little bit of other stuff that shows up once in a while. My goodness; who is too immature here that they can't take a little bit of extra stuff once in a while........
Get a grip! I say the posts stays like it is! We're all adults here right? Let's not get to carried away here people.
The "thoughts" site is perfect; if you don't like it go over to the other sites and hang out we won't miss you at all! :wink:
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 03:46 AM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 178
|
|
I'm with you on this. Really enjoy the off-topic every once in a while 
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 03:48 AM
|
|
Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Ed Hansberry
4) Ed finds something totally stupid and posts it on a Friday afternoon!
|
Maybe that's a partial solution - Friday afternoon is stupid post time, weekend is completely off topic, etc.
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 03:56 AM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 97
|
|
Keep em coming...
I read all the headings but I certainly do not read every article posted here. That is not a bad thing, its just that not every article interests me.
You cannot please everyone here so please yourself. Post what interests you... if readership drops, then it is time to re-evaluate the content. It seems to me that there is much more content here than when I first visited... keep up the good work.
Here is a "off topic" thought for you. How about adding a spell checker function for the preview. I always "proof read" my stuff but it seems that many spelling mistakes sneak in regardless of my efforts. :roll:
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 04:07 AM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 255
|
|
Re: Keep em coming...
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cpoole
Here is a "off topic" thought for you. How about adding a spell checker function for the preview. I always "proof read" my stuff but it seems that many spelling mistakes sneak in regardless of my efforts. :roll:
|
Yes !!! Please !!! Some of us would really like a spell checker!
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 04:09 AM
|
|
Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 338
|
|
wah, wah, wah....
Please... a few off topic subjects and people complain? I mean, REALLY, it's not like anyone pays to view this site. Jason & Co.: It's your site, do with it what you like (so long as it's legal.)
Some "off-topic" stuff I read, other stuff I don't - but the key is, I'm in in control. If I don't want to read a post... I just use that little "wheely" thing on my mouse and scroll right past it.
Keep up the good work - I love the site the way it is; but I'm waiting for those pocket PC raffles :wink:
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 04:12 AM
|
|
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,878
|
|
Re: Keep em coming...
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cpoole
Here is a "off topic" thought for you. How about adding a spell checker function for the preview. I always "proof read" my stuff but it seems that many spelling mistakes sneak in regardless of my efforts. :roll:
|
works for me!!!!
Steve
|
| |
|
|
|
08-07-2002, 04:15 AM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 53
|
|
I love the occasional Off-Topic! First of all, we're already in danger of obsessing on Pocket PCs, so it helps to break it up and remind us there are other things in the world.
And, Jason, it's your site! Sure, your readership comes from people knowing that you are the "CNN of the Pocket PC world" (I love that moniker) but I think we can stand the odd detour.
Keep it up!
__________________
Jeff McKean
Marketing Manager
Mobile Devices Division
Microsoft
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
