I think it depends on "how" off-topic it goes and what it covers. I have often gone off-topic myself ... for an example, I remember talking about FF:CC in a thread about OW and the PS2. But it provided discussion of the GameCube console and games for that system. So it was "related" to the discussion in some way, even if not directly.
So for example if a thread is discussing a particular game, and someone goes on to talk about another game because they can see something to talk about that might relate to both the original game and the new game, then the thread moves to talking about that new game instead, then I don't see a problem with it.
But if a thread is talking about a game, then someone goes and posts something about whether Coke is better than Pepsi or they start up a personal conversation with another member. Then that shouldn't be allowed.
Honestly, I don't think the rules are why new members don't stay. IMO I see posts that many would consider spam or flames, but I don't do anything because it would be too harsh. But they are leaving because they get such poor welcomes. I was just reading through that forum and felt total disgust when posts by two good members [one a regular and the other a less regular poster] posted that they were back and they both got insulted. I've also seen it occur to newbies. If I joined a forum, I wouldn't be returning if I read that in my welcome thread.
As for responses like "I don't give a crap". Yes, that is spam. The poster is basically saying they don't care ... but if they really don't care enough to give an opinion, then they shouldn't be posting there. If you say you don't give a crap because ... then that's fine as it adds to a topic. Although there are exceptions such as commenting on a flash game, etc. So sometimes you have to take it in context of the actual topic itself.
Although on the other hand I can see where warnings are unfair and even I think maybe a little too many have been given lately. It kind of doesn't seem fair that someone can get a warning for borderline spam and then another person can get a warning for heavy flaming, and it's all worth the same. At ACF [another forum I admin at] we operate on a scaled warning system. Spam is worth 1-5 points [depending on how bad it is], flaming 5 points, posting porn/hentai 8 points, racist/offensive remarks 10 points, etc. A member has a total of 30 warning points. At 25% they get a one week suspension, 50% a two week suspension, 75% a one month suspension and 100% is a permanent ban. Although that's possibly a bit more than we would need for a small forum like this [ACF is a larger forum], so maybe a "unofficial warning" option [i.e. PM the member to point out the issue, but it doesn't count towards the warning count] may be an option to consider.
Abe Babe...
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Oddworld-Web | Advent Children.net | Dirge of Cerberus.net"If that's so, I shall draw you into the darkness. Into the nightmare that forever deprives you of light, from which you can never awaken." ~ Sephiroth, Kingdom Hearts
Obsessed with J.J. Abrams!!! <3
Creator of Cloverfield, Lost, Alias and Fringe ... he's just too awesome!
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