EBME Forums Forums EBME Website EBME Website Off topic banter

For some time now, there has been a considerable amount of feedback (via private email) regarding the off topic chat that goes on - in this forum.

I have never been opposed to this (occasional chat), but I realise on occasions that it has caused threads to wander wildly from their original subject matter.

A few of you have expressed the view that as we are perceived to be an exponent of the profession, then we should refrain from all extraneous subject matter.

However, although I realise these to be valid points - I believe that humour builds and develops 'community' - which (as far as I - and only *I* - am concerned) is the reason for this website.

A world without fun would be a pretty boring place - but it must unfortunately find it's rightfull place....

So - after all this rambling, what - I'm asking for - is suggestions for new forum categories where OT conversation may be welcomed. They would have to fit under the free discussion header - something like 'fun' or 'humour' any ideas?????

The alternative of course is to invite you to moderate the columns. This would have to be done seriously - as I would have to give out my secret secret secret server info...

If any of you are interested in moderating the forum please contact me privately via the forum.

Cheers :p

There is no humour with the institutionalised crowd. Who is it that are complaining about OT?

Well, all emails have been sent privately (directly to me) or via the forum.

It's all been polite and 'above board'.

As such - I can't really say.. sorry - but if you sent me a private email - I couldn't reveal the contents of that either.

(Data protection act!)

H.

Can I sduggest a topic named.." Chinese whispers and general gossip!"


Or " When did anyone last here from...?"


Huw it's hard to stay on the topic when Roy and Rob keep taking the p###.! of one another!

Oooh ! We are tetchy this morning !

Unfortunately I have to agree with Huw - things do wander way off target - quite often ! I believe there most certainly is a place for humour, but perhaps this site has got a little too relaxed in general. I know a lot of people just log on to read what's going on and many of these are people from the Medical companies we deal with. Maybe even the odd person from the MDA have a look now and then - not that there are any odd people in the MDA - well, not many !
The problem is it's very easy to slip into "silly" banter and the result is that the site looks "un-professional" to the casual reader. Since I'm one of the offenders in this area, I shall try and keep my meanderings on a more serious level from now on.
Sorry, Huw.

I can see your point Huw!

However a little humour goes a long long way in this job !!

As long as people get involved in the discussions, is surely a positive move.. after all, all inputs are welcome?

I am sure that the vast majority give professional answers to questions asked.. I try too any way..

Mark
I totally agree, a little humour helps developes a community, and if it makes us smile - then why not.

Yes, but I think the point is that humour should not "take over" in every topic - it's fine in it's place - but it makes the site look un-professional if we can't manage to keep at least some of the topics on a serious track !

Humour, the amount of humour, the lack of humour, the nature of the humour and the seriousness of the way that we all reply to the topics on this site help me to guage the 'character' of the users.

I, as of yet, am not aquinted with anyone who uses this site so I employ a little psychology to get to 'know' you.