A friendly way to manage off topic posts that keeps them visible but gives a clear message

[#1]

Off topic posts are a bit interesting in that we don't want them to repeat posting similar material. Leaving them in place means that people never get the hint that the post is crap. On a couple of g+ communities I help moderate have a topic for "removed - see guidelines" where all junk gets put. It gives the poster the hint that the content isn't welcome in this particular community and gives the other users the same idea that their stuff will simply be removed even though they can still see it. 

My thinking is:

1. recognise dodgy off topic post

2. reply that it is OT and why

3. lock the likes and replies

4. edit and change the topic to "removed - see guidelines"

This does seem to work in the other communities and it might work here. It's sort of a public shaming in a nice sort of way.

[TraciC]

Hi @PaulPavlinovich. Thanks for sharing your idea. We believe as long as Local Guides know what is on-topic, they will post on-topic content. 

We do acknowledge all posts that are moved to our off-topic area and tell folks why the post was moved, sharing what is on-topic to help educate folks. All posts are still visible to the original poster (and anyone with the direct link).

Is our above process not clear or working in a similar way to what you shared? Would love to learn more! 

[PaulPavlinovich]

Thanks @TraciC what I was thinking of was another topic rather than the archive board where everyone could still see the posts so if someone linked to it then other LG would be able to see it. This topic would not have a menu associated so you could not normally get to the topic.

[Atsukot]

We're looking into this. Thank you @PaulPavlinovich!

[sonnyNg]

Hi @PaulPavlinovich,

Thank you, once again for sending your suggestions for the idea! : ]

However, we did not manage to implement it in time and according to out Idea Exchange policies we are going to need to close your idea.

[PaulPavlinovich]

that's life @sonnyNg 🙂