LAST EDITED ON 12-20-05 AT 08:36 AM (EST)"None of the guidelines make the starter of a thread the police to tell others what to discuss."
Nor do the guidelines force forum participants to go off topic if they choose not to, nor do they enjoin forum participants from asking participants politely to stay on topic if they are trying to learn about the topic at hand.
"A statement was made by someone that (I for one think) should be answered."
And I retain the right not to address it.
"That statement doesn't fall under any of the topics of any other thread."
Fair enough. People are free to start one.
"Just because it doesn't fall under the heading that you created doesn't mean it CAN'T be addressed."
I have never asserted this. I chose not to address it, and asked for clarity on the topic at hand.
"I am not going to start another thread because it doesn't warrant one."
You're free not to start one based on your own value judgement. I am free NOT to have an off-topic conversation if I choose not to.
--Singer
Edited to correct spelling.