Ah! That brings back memories of the Green Cross Man advert.

I understand your feelings Floydy, but I think the problem is that it is just like a conversation. We must have all been chatting when somebody throws in a funny comment. Most people will laugh, but I think in real life most of us show respect to the person who has started the conversation, or move to conduct their own funny conversation elsewhere.
That doesn't happen on forums & I have to admit that I occasionally make a funny comment to somebody, but I hope I don't derail the thread & would be apologetic if somebody suggested I had.
If it is a topic that people wish to continue, I think most people would be happy to comply if you just said " Can we get back on topic please?" because the majority are just being humorous & don't realize they are spoiling it for others.

I understand your feelings Floydy, but I think the problem is that it is just like a conversation. We must have all been chatting when somebody throws in a funny comment. Most people will laugh, but I think in real life most of us show respect to the person who has started the conversation, or move to conduct their own funny conversation elsewhere.
That doesn't happen on forums & I have to admit that I occasionally make a funny comment to somebody, but I hope I don't derail the thread & would be apologetic if somebody suggested I had.
If it is a topic that people wish to continue, I think most people would be happy to comply if you just said " Can we get back on topic please?" because the majority are just being humorous & don't realize they are spoiling it for others.

First 10 pages are fine... that's pretty good going!

Once the pandas came onto the scene I'm as guilty as anyone for descending into mischief.

But hey, it's not anything to get wound up about, all it takes is another serious post about internet addiction to get the thread back on track...

And yes, it IS a major addiction and I'd be the first to admit it.

That's why I NEVER take my pad away with me.

And I feel desperately sorry for kids today who attend schools where the Head, Governers, and teaching staff haven't the balls to ban phones from the classroom.
And where kids take the day home with them instead of leaving it all behind at the bus stop.

I understand your feelings Floydy, but I think the problem is that it is just like a conversation. We must have all been chatting when somebody throws in a funny comment. Most people will laugh, but I think in real life most of us show respect to the person who has started the conversation, or move to conduct their own funny conversation elsewhere.
That doesn't happen on forums & I have to admit that I occasionally make a funny comment to somebody, but I hope I don't derail the thread & would be apologetic if somebody suggested I had.
If it is a topic that people wish to continue, I think most people would be happy to comply if you just said " Can we get back on topic please?" because the majority are just being humorous & don't realize they are spoiling it for others.

Look I did not want to cause panda monium on this thread the people on the thread at the time were quite happy to talk panda bollox to me

As an aside just saw a Giraffe walking around the town centre

...that maybe you spend far too much time on your laptop, desktop, phone or whatever method you use to get online? Why do you feel the need to chat to strangers? Is there something missing from your life or, like me, do you spend hours sitting alone for whatever reason?

....so anyway...what do you think?

....so anyway...what do you think?