"Hijacking Threads"

[fouram]

After reading Gord's latest message, it hit hard to realize (not a thunderclap of recognition--more like a gnawing of realization!) that I have indeed "highjacked" a couple of threads, in my enthusiasm! I would like to offer an apology to more than a couple (I am sure,) of members that I have highjacked threads from. I would also like to take the opportunity to ask Gord to please help out any future "enthusiastic" replies I may make by putting them in a proper area--Best Regards --all --apologies to Jeff and Kathy--

[Gord]

Hi Al!

No worries at all. I cant say Ive ever seen an instance where an apology was needed, but I know I appreciate the thought!

While good to keep hijacking in mind as to not get too far off topic, this site's current size and topic type does not make the issue much of a concern. I dont think it's possible not to have a thread that picks up on one part of a post and explores it. It would be a pretty dull forum if not. But I would say if Kathy's Boundary Bay report moved from the cry of outrage at those photographers to, say, dogs running loose, hunters, or the sometimes unfortunate choice of running clothes some that runners/joggers on the dyke wear or so forth, I might consider a thread started on wildlife and/or birdwatcher (where the joggers are concerned) disturbance that carries on from where we left off.

I dont want members to be thinking twice or concerned if their message belongs in a thread or not though. No one here is going to get upset or scrutinize a post to determine its appropriateness. Like you said Al, messages posted out of enthusiasm or interest is exactly what I and others come here to see.

So when in doubt, post!. We can explore this topic further down the road as things change (or continue right now if we wish!) and come to a consensus as a group so we're all on the same page.

No post, unless it contains foul language or making fun of my Toronto Maple Leafs, is unwelcome here regardless of where or how it ends up! It's my job to help with these types of things, so please carry on! There is nothing anyone can do on this forum that will cause a problem or a lot of work for me. A great bunch of people on this site makes it all the easier.

Im interested if anyone else has comments as Ive run out of ways to say "please post and not worry!"

Thanks Al. Im really glad you brought this up.

[kastern]

As the person whose post was 'Hijacked'....I sure don't have any problems with it

I like to think of this forum as a place where we can sit down and 'chat' with a bunch of like minded friends....and many 'conversations' naturally flow from one topic to another. That's just fine by me. All I ask is to keep it just the way it is so those of us that aren't all that 'expert' don't feel intimidated to join in. I've checked out some other birding forums and would be scared to 'open my mouth' so to speak!!!

Kathy

[fouram]

Thanks Kathy, I have come to feel most welcomed here, along with what I have considered "silly sounding questions" being fielded in expert ways --no matter who takes the time to comment/answer them--another "Thank You" for that! I also agree with you about keeping things the way they are, as I have become comfortable in asking questions, and hope that (as a charge to myself) I am able to inject a little intelligence in the way that I ask, the more exposed I become to this great pursuit!--Al

[Gord]

Kathy, I think probably one of the most important things is to make this site comfortable to everyone from beginner upwards. Im glad to hear we are achieving that. It is one thing to say it is a goal, another to impliment it and again, Im happy it's working.

Al, no intelligence is lacking! Let's put it this way. You are not approaching me in one of my parks asking me where we keep all the birds and animals and why they have not been let out yet. This is 100% true. In all due kindness, this person was from another country where wild or natural areas are unheard of and was experiencing his first visit to a place where seeing a bear or red-winged blackbird are about equal in the chances-it-will-happen scale.

Thanks for the input all.

[tuchp]

Since I am a new member and this is my first time joining an internet forum, could you please explain what exactly 'hijacking is'? Unsure if it means 'changing the subject' of a thread or replying in another area other than the one it started in. I joined your group because the members seemed to be friendly and open to a newby like me - don't want to mess up right away! Thanks, Pat

[fouram]

Pat, feel welcome! Re-read Gord's post. I felt that I was "intruding" on others posts, "undermining"? perhaps?, not by design but in my enthusiasm, I also really don't want to mess up, as the information I have received, as well as the warm welcome, and concerned, interested replies keeps me keen to share--from my own perspective, feel welcome, it is a fun board!--Al

[Gord]

Hi Pat. Al covered it well, but Ill make a couple comments.

'Hijacking' in internet forums means, as you guessed and Al mentioned, to take a topic somewhere else so far that it doesnt have anything to do with the original topic. It can be a problem when the topic that started the thread AND the hijack co-mingle in one thread and make it difficult to follow. (ie. a topic about identifying a bird species and questions about cameras co-mingle)

This is an issue on other forums more than ours.

But as we explored, the way we've been doing things is working out well for everyone.

So dont worry about messing up. If you think it's interesting for a new topic, say the thread that commented about photographers harassing wildlife, you can start a new topic to explore the issue which I could have done too. Both would have worked. It's up to you.

[tuchp]

OK, I understand - and I appreciate the explanation, thank-you so much! - Pat