Motorbike = Off topic?

Kev,

I could find no definitions or examples of what are or are not considered "off topic" on this forum in the link you suggested.

I can't work out the "off topic rule" it seems to be quite an arbtrary thing - perhaps if only ONEreaders complains via moderator alert - then its deemed off topic.

It might be on topic to mention fishing
It might be on topic to mention boats
It might be on topic to mention gold detectors
It mght be on topic to mention a quad bike (say in relation to goldf detecting)
It might however be Off Topic to mention a quad bike enduro competition (in relation to a club event)?
It might be Ok to mention an offroad bike - in relation to say riding it across the simpson desert to raise funds for the RFD
It might be "off topic" to post about riding an enduro bike ac4oss the Simposn to advertise the bikes capabilities?

I don't know - just what it is that determines on or off topic stuff...

Take electroics stuff....

It might be Off topic to ask "whats the best Ipod on tne market to listen to music

but

It might be ON topic to ask "whats the best I Pod to listen to music in my CARAVAN" while touring Oz?

Just what are the "magic words" that some use for seemingly (to me) off topic posts or threads, and get away with it while others get deleted every time.

For example - if I take a "dislike" to one particular persons posts and "report" even the most slightly circumspect topic of that poster to the mods every time - can i influence the determination of what is or is not "Off Topic" by the mere fact that I take the trouble to report it?

I'm not saying having an off topic rule is wrong by any means - nor am I complaining about the moderation in any way.

I am asking HOW exactly any member or visitor can come to KNOW what is and is NOT considered 'off topic" for application of the Off Topic rule BEFORE they make a post is all?

I see a great many threads / posts headings that are of little interest to me AT THE TIME and consider them to my taste "off topic" AT THE TIME, (and as a result don't bother opening them to read them) yet later - I might suddenly want to replicate someone elses trip and want to know about a particular electronic item, and open that very same thread I skipped before - becaise now I have a NEED and suddenly what seemed off topic to me before now becomes On topic.

So this whole on / off topic thing for me is a complete mystery.

Reversing Cameras seem OK
Cameras to take happy snaps on a trip - OK?
Ipods?
GPS appears OK
Tyre monitoring gauges OK?

Theres an awfull lot of "electronic posts that because the gear MIGHT be iused on a trip seem to be OK yet really speaking maybe ALL electronics ought be better served on an electronics forums - why duplicate here what thise particular forums already cover very well?

Like I said, I really would like to understand the "rule" with regard to on and off topic before I post - to me the idea of touring Oz on a big cruising Mbike might be very interesting - but I might be a minority and posting about my interest might be Off Topic of just one person doesnt agree with me and makes a report to a mod?

I just don't understand is all and am asking for some kind of "guide" to the rules AFTER having re read the moderation policy section again and finding it wanting in this particular area is all.

I really would prefer not to waste mine andothers time if it is avoidable by a better understanding at the outset!

Cheers

You seem to have a grasp of what is required to not get it classed as OT so why worry.

I have had to reform my posts since the new policy commenced, so I know where your comming from, it took a few goes but I haven't been moderated for a month or so now LOL


Cheers

Holy Crap flywest take a breath LOL....

So, let me get this straight...

You want to ask a question about using your 4WD to take you and your FRIDGE to a base-camp and then riding a motorbike from there to check out potential CAMPING sites and 'save' the PLACES as GPS WAYPOINTS so that perhaps one day in the future you could potentially take your CARAVAN or CAMPER TRAILER there and perhaps even your BOAT for a bit of FISHING while listening to your IPOD depending on the weather in which case it might be better to spend the time GOLD DETECTING and you want to know the best TYRE MONITORING SYSTEM and REVERSE CAMERA to install on your motorbike for the trip but you're not sure if it will be off topic because you happened to mention that you might be listening to an IPOD along the way? Or did I miss something?!

I think you've got your answer - just relate it to camping, travelling and/or 4WDing and you can't go wrong! :)

Ooopss..... meant to be "If your exploring Oz on a dirt bike or a 4by it doesn't matter IMO"

" Why would motorcycles be considered off-topic ??
any more than say, horses, camels, or heaven forbid, four-wheel-drive motor vehicles ?? "

or even more conventional *two-wheel-drive* motor vehicles too

Maîneÿ . . .

Good point Sharon - there are lots of posts here that don't interest me, as some of my posts don't interest everyone else. Hey, I'd never sleep if every thread was interesting and I had to reply to them all! :)

Sharon.... you are going to hate this.... I'm a teacher and I almost never do this..... but......

you didn't mean 'ore', that's stuff you dig up.... "awe".....

Forgive me.....

Anyway, I agree with what you said. It should only be if something is a real nuisance to us lot that it should be moderated.

Thanks Royce I did mean awe. Your forgiven.
Sharon