# Exploratory/investigative OP's - new forum possibly? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [November 14, 2002, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665 "2002-11-14T02:17:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Justhink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/edb3f5/32.png) [@Justhink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justhink)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2002, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/1 "2002-11-14T02:17:49Z")
I’ve noticed (in GD at least) that there seems to be a general consensus about certain topics or THEE topic; that discussing along these lines seems somewhat desired; yet somehow off-topic unless it is framed within the context of a clearly defined debate seeking ‘resolution’. To this degree; the same questions keep getting answered; the same questions keep being found; and people just wait until another thread along those lines can bring up these ideas again. I believe the conflict comes in that posters along this line realize that they aren’t proposing a debate from start to finish; but are bringing up general topics under the frame of moving from ‘finish’ to see if a start even exists – or what have you. Sure, you can debate international policy; search laws, list names and bibliographies, links and quotes to crumble the OP or let the OP stand. That seems to be a wonderful function for GD. How about posing _questions_ that aren’t GQ material; don’t state an opinion (at least overtly); don’t propose a debate; use metaphors and allegories that may confuse the average Pit user; Aren’t asking forum administrators questions about behavior or policy or what-not; isn’t talking about ‘art’ specifically. There seems to be something which is very strong on these message boards (investigative/exploratory conversations about certain topics) which don’t have a clear designation. As such; the noise to signal ratio is severely diminished - as are interesting (IMO) insights into what the hell is going on; how the tools to use the term “Straight Dope” work, and whether they may in themselves be misleading at times - or not! More of a forum to analyse process; make proposals; learn insights; solidify assurance or clarity (if that’s possible!). That’s all. -Justhink ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2002, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/2 "2002-11-14T14:15:46Z")
We already have a forum for unfocused “Just shooting the breeze/general chitchat” questions: MPSIMS. ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2002, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/3 "2002-11-14T19:00:03Z")
Wow. My head hurts from reading that OP. I guess that’s why I don’t go to Great Debates that much. ---
**Author:** ![Justhink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/edb3f5/32.png) [@Justhink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justhink)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2002, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/4 "2002-11-14T22:39:51Z")
Thank you Duck. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2002, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/5 "2002-11-15T05:08:03Z")
How would you describe it in a short little blurb and title for the main page? ---
**Author:** ![imthjckaz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/imthjckaz/32/3223_2.png) [@imthjckaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/imthjckaz)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2002, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exploratory-investigative-ops-new-forum-possibly/136665/6 "2002-11-15T20:28:08Z")
**SDMB MAIN PAGE** Stuff