# Can we have a "freer discussion" option with looser modding on hijacks? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [October 28, 2024, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-a-freer-discussion-option-with-looser-modding-on-hijacks/1009350 "2024-10-28T14:29:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 15
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-a-freer-discussion-option-with-looser-modding-on-hijacks/1009350/15 "2024-10-28T15:17:35Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > There would be something put in the title (such as “free discussion”) that would indicate that this is the intention of the OP, and then that thread would not be modded for hijacks that don’t involve a bad intention. This would also free up the mods to focus on things of a more (IMHO) serious nature. And if posters do not like such free discussions, then they could avoid such threads. I think this is doable, though it goes counter to the [January 2020 P&E/GD rule revision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rules-for-politics-and-elections-january-2020/845727). _Specifically this part:_ > - **Keep threads specific and debatable.** No wide omnibus threads. We want to see clear, specific topics and thread titles. Large omnibus threads are actively detrimental to the long-term success of the boards. A thread entitled, “Tax Policy” is too broad. One entitled, “Should a National Sales Tax be enacted” is better. Keep it clear and specific. This also requires participants in the thread to remain on specific topics as well. I can add a tag for **#free-discussion** or maybe brainstorm a slightly better name for it. I need @Aspenglow & @raventhief to at least chime in on this. Though any other Mods input would be most welcome, especially those that were on staff when these rules were implemented. I would welcome a trial for this as it should actually make the forums easier to moderate and improve the experience for users that enjoy the free ranging threads. But it still defaults to clear, specific topics and thread titles. * * * * * * Someone asked about splitting topics. That is actually a fair amount of work, loads of complaints from posters that suddenly find themselves the OPs of a thread and a royal pain in the ass if I’m on my phone instead of a computer. Coming up with a reasonable title can be a minor pain, etc. All this as people don’t use the **Reply as a linked Topic** feature and hijack threads. **If you are responding to something in a thread that is basically off-topic or likely to lead to a hijack, try this:** How to **Reply as a linked Topic** : Click Reply, in the upper left corner of the reply window is the reply type button, _looks like a curving arrow point to the right_. Choose **Reply as linked topic** and it starts a new thread. As an example, you can choose GD, IMHO or The Pit for it. That is actually the best method. > [@Czarcasm](#): > > Frankly, if someone posts something like “I know this is a hijack, but…”, they should just erase it. Or use the **Reply as a linked Topic** option. But yes, if you know it is a hijack, don’t post it. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-a-freer-discussion-option-with-looser-modding-on-hijacks/1009350)._