Sticking to the subject matter?

Do we reply to questions on the forum "sticking exactly" to the subject matter? It would be interesting to know what the forum thinks.
Do we "round out" our replies to include related information? A reply at its most concise could be simply a "yes" or "no" thus rigidly sticking to the subject matter but hardly making for a good "read" .
Do we add what we think is relevant, even important, information ?
My own feeling is that inclusive more comprehensive replies are useful even more friendly but does the forum actually want that?

 

I've always treated it like a normal conversation, you start off with a subject, add relevant stuff, and if it wanders too far off topic start a new one

 

One thing can lead to another, so, some info is not usefull but some times it can lead to something else more usefull
I read most threads and i've learned a lot even if the thread has been derailed big time, the only time it should stop is when it's gets a bit heated and that's when the Admin team step in and do

We do have the choice not to post in a thread as well

 

Well this is a friendly forum , not a precise court of law. So answers are like a chat over the garden fence , you bounce ideas around have a laugh and wander the conversation off in different directions.

 

@Verdun , just tried to pm you but it won't post . Can you please pm me to see if it works ?

 

Completely agree with you

 

Oh, excellent folks
I have a tendency to go on....ok, on and on .....but gardening is my passion.
Personally I learn so much from the extras I read in the replies:rasp:
Harry I have sent you a pm....started a conversation. Hope it works

 

+1

Me too!

 

My input on this subject.

The thing that we all must remember is that there are people with all levels of gardening knowledge on the forum. From absolute beginners to some that are experts in a particular subject. When an answer is given, I think that in most cases, it best to give as detailed an answer as possible without adding extra information that has not been asked for. If any extra is needed, then it is something that should be asked for by the op.

Personally, I would also prefer answers to be given based on both fact and personal experiences rather than opinions. Even if this is not always possible.

Having said that, one thing that I do enjoy about the forum is the general friendliness and the fact that topics to tend to drift into humorous comments once an answer has been given.

 

Did I say l'm Scottish ?

 

My take on things, and as this topic is probably related to another and thus raised this question, I'll post the link to it.

White Plastic Plant Labels

On the above topic I described that I wanted seed labels rough on one side, to be written on with pencil as that is what I prefer. In that scenario I would expect answers to reflect the question.

On the other hand, If I had of asked about seed labels, what does everyone use? Then all the postings would be an answer to the question that I asked.

I deliberately worded my question to avoid answers about markers or cutting up yoghurt pots type answers to make labels.

I reflect my answers to others questions to what they have asked for, not what I think they need or that which I would do. I always try to do that first then maybe offer up extra advice after that. Again it depends on how the question is asked and if I can fulfill the detail required by the poster.

In all circumstances I try to avoid the following How many forum users does it take to change a lightbulb? please go and read...very very amusing

I asked my original question about the labels in such a way to avoid a lightbulb topic 3 pages long and hopefully just get a quick answer.

Steve...

 

My Grandmother used to call me a Bletherskite
www.memidex.com/bletherskite
This pretty much sums up my contributions to GC

 

No