Holy Atratus!

[Didymus20X6]

It's one thing for a thread's subject matter to shift - like a conversation - but it's a completely different matter to try to hijack or disrupt a topic. The latter would be a clear matter of trolling.

If a thread becomes too far off topic, I see nothing wrong with someone - either the thread's originator or a mod/admin - trying to redirect the conversation back to the topic at hand. But I also don't see anything particularly wrong with side-topics being addressed - much as the subject of "trolling" is discussed here.

On the old Homestar forum, where I used to be a moderator, we had a custom: if someone believed a thread to have deviated too far off topic, they could declare "Toastpaint." This was our codeword for, "Okay, it's time for us to get back to the main topic please." From that point forward, the particular side-topic would be dropped, and the conversation would turn back to the main topic. This allowed us to deviate off-topic for a time, but wouldn't permit us to be off-topic indefinitely.

[RedSidedSPR]

Hey, see? That's what I've been telling you. Your not trolling!

Yes, trolling is an art.

[guidofatherof5]

Hey, see? That's what I've been telling you. Your not trolling!

Yes, trolling is an art.

That depends on whether you're the one holding the pole or the one at the end of the line.

[Didymus20X6]

I wouldn't say Red was a troll, but if he went out into direct sunlight, he'd turn to stone.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Hey, see? That's what I've been telling you. Your not trolling!

Yes, trolling is an art.

No no, Trolling is A art. Umad?

[RedSidedSPR]

I wouldn't say Red was a troll, but if he went out into direct sunlight, he'd turn to stone.

I know, dang it!! I herp with an umbrella!

[snakehill]

HUH???

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

HUH???

u mad?????

[Didymus20X6]

The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton." Trolls turn into stone when exposed to direct sunlight.

[katach]

I got it! That is one of my favorite books!