Re: Same old faces
Well a couple of people in here have suggested that the OP stress that it's "serious discussion only" and have the mods remove irrelevant posts. But really, they shouldn't have to. If I can't contribute something worthwhile to a serious post - even if it's just to offer condolences to the OP's situation - I don't say anything at all.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with conversation evolving. It's going to happen. But when it veers off into nonsensical chattering and 'fluffing it up' when the OP is clearly struggling with their particular issue, that's just not a very nice thing to do. Some may say they're just trying to "lighten the mood" or "cheer up the OP", but I know when I want to talk about something serious and important to me, I don't want people trying to cheer me up and lighten the mood. If I did, I'd ask for it.