Multi-subject threads

Topic shifts happen, as much as the admins wish it didn't. This is the inevitable result of people being expected to support their assertions.The topic approval system makes it even harder to shift an off-topic but lively discussion into another new thread; even before that, most debators would use the shift as an excuse to avoid continuing the discussion. Very rarely did all participants follow over to the new thread.Very often it's happened, too, that the best discussions have been off-topic. With the Free For All forum gone, there's no longer a place for topics to range as they will, to the detriment of all of us.So, let's get over ourselves, admins, and let threads shift topics. I propose that threads be allowed a maximum of three topics; if an off-topic aside develops into the main topic, let the thread title be changed to reflect that new topic. If topic descriptions are kept brief, then topics can easily have titles that reflect the three topics found within.When the thread hits the fourth topic, close it down. That way we never hit the 300 message limit, or do so very rarely.Threads wander. It's a necessity of having to support our statements, and of having to rebut our opponents supporting arguments. So let it happen, within reason. My suggestion, I believe, does just that.

I'll take any direction that's given. However, my opinion differs from yours.

As many will recall I did a thread on when I quit threads. I made an off-cuff statement to you about science and was hounded incessently for not persuing it to the nth. Then recently in the obfuscating thread these prominent folks in town bugged me again for not getting drawn into that science topic. According to present rules, these people were outa line, imo. It appears that there's plenty of flexibility already existing if you're on the popular side of the debate.That said, I think admin did a nice job of compromise in the petroglyphic thread in order that we of both persuasions could do what we needed to do in topic related, but not directly so areas.

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if an off-topic aside develops into the main topic, let the thread title be changed to reflect that new topic.

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I think the discussion should always tie into the origingal theme of message 1 and the topic title. I am very much against the topics title chasing the line of discussion.Adminnemooseus