How important is the off topic section?

[Shawn Gossman1]

If you run a niche community, should you even have an off-topic section present?

An off-topic section could take away precious activity from the main niche sections. But some feel it could add to the overall activity of the community.

How do you feel about it? Where do you stand?

 

[Tracy]

You almost need one... at least to point folks to when they start going off-topic in a thread and you can move that thread to there.
Now, encouraging heavy participation there... nah....

 

[Uncrowned]

It seems like a waste to not have one. It would often be a poor idea to focus marketing on that section, but an off-topic section can often be the key to keeping members active in times when the niche topic may be at a low for them.

 

[Cedric]

You can't expect to form a community if you have no offtopic section. Stupid stuff like forum games creates a good community. Fun, laughter, etc.

 

[Shawn Gossman1]

I think the majority agrees that an off-topic is important I get that.

Now, do you think it's a good idea to hide it from non-members? Or at least the contents?

 

[Uncrowned]

I think the majority agrees that an off-topic is important I get that.

Now, do you think it's a good idea to hide it from non-members? Or at least the contents?

Generally, I disagree with hiding any content that doesn't have an exact reason to be hidden. Your content gets people to register; if they can't see it, then it is not there to get them to register in the first place.