Aye! What’s the point of intros anymore…it’s Bo. Any pronouns. You know who I am (probably).
Anyway, I’d like to welcome everybody to our first weekly off-topic thread!
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*Table of Contents:*
What is the weekly off-topic thread?
What are the rules for the off-topic threads?
How will we find the new off-topic thread every week?
What will happen to future, stand-alone, low-quality off-topic threads?
What are some examples of a low-quality vs. a high-quality post?
What’s next on Bo’s announcement list?
Outro
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*What is the weekly off-topic thread?*
We still have our off-topic discussions category, but that category is now only for high-quality off-topic posts. This thread is for low-quality off-topic posts.
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*Why have we implemented off-topic threads, while also keeping our discussions category?*
This is because our community has bowed into keeping the category, but, despite that, the amount of off-topic posts compared to on-topic posts we have here is concerning. Because most of those off-topic posts are low-quality, this thread will hopefully help solve the issue.
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*What are the rules for the off-topic thread?*
No rules! Other than, of course, our Wiki Policies/discussions rules. Otherwise, this is a place to chat about whatever you’d like! Be wary that, as of the next off-topic thread, we will have a few new posting policies, but until then, use or don’t use this thread as you will.
Please be sure to add trigger warnings, content warnings, and/or sensory warnings (tw, cw, sw) in your replies as needed! Unlike regular posts, this thread will likely host a variety of topics, so you can’t put a warning in the original post for any sensitive content.
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*How will we find the new off-topic thread every week?*
Going forward, our off-topic threads will not be an announcement (you will not get a notification when there’s a new one).
A new off-topic thread will be posted every Wednesday. At the same time, I will lock the current off-topic thread, and leave a reply directing everyone to the new off-topic thread.
Because they’d get lost in the off-topic discussions category, all off-topic threads will be in the Wiki Announcements category.
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*What will happen to future, stand-alone, low-quality off-topic threads?*
That was a big sentence…anyway. In other words, if somebody makes a low-quality off-topic post that isn’t in the off-topic thread, what will happen to it?
This is what will happen: If somebody makes a post of that nature, an admin or discussions moderator will reply to it, directing them to the off-topic thread, and then lock the post. After 24 hours, the low-quality off-topic post will be deleted.
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*What are some examples of a low-quality vs. a high-quality post?*
Low-quality; the stuff that belongs in the off-topic megathread:
“So, have y’all done your homework yet?”
“Remember to drink water today!”
“Have you drank water today?”
“How’s everyone doing?”
“How much water did you drink today?”
High quality; the stuff that can be a standalone post in the off-topic category:
“Water is good because…Water provides our bodies with nutrients, such as…for those reasons, I really want to make sure everybody drinks X amount of water today. Do you remember when I said water was good for us? Okay, just to make sure you remember, how about I say it again…”
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*What’s next on Bo’s announcement list?*
Online Safety, Policy Changes & Posting Habits: Sunday, November 19th
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*Outro*
That’s all! As always, message me if you have any questions or concerns, and let the off-topicness begin!
