Template:Off-topic thread

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The purpose of the {{off-topic thread}} template is to give a visual hint to readers of talk page discussions to ignore an issue or topic that has been posted to the wrong talk page or other venue. It should usually include some indication what the proper venue actually is.. It is hoped that the existence of this tag will make it easier for the reader to pass over off-topic material and get back to what that particular talk page is actually there for.

Usage

Place the following under the topic heading on a talk page:
{{Off-topic thread}}

Off-topic

To make an additional comment explaining why the issue should be taken elsewhere and/or to sign so that others know who marked the thread as off-topic:
{{Off-topic thread|1=This is a body-content matter to raise at [[WT:MOSBIO]], not here at [[WT:NCP]] which is only about page titles. ~~~~}}

Off-topic

– This is a body-content matter to raise at WT:MOSBIO, not here at WT:NCP which is only about page titles. — Example User 12:34, 14 July 2024 (UTC)

This parameter must be given as |1= or |reason= if any of its content contains the = character (which is common in signatures).

It is not necessary to include your signature (~~~~) when stating incontrovertible facts, such as that a proposal was rescinded later in the thread, etc., or when it is obvious from the content or context who placed the template. Signing when not necessary is pointless clutter, and defeats the purpose of the template as a simple and easy-to-scan label. Do include your sig at the end of a |1= comment if the Off-topic thread label could be controversial (in which case anyone is free to remove it entirely) or attribution is otherwise actually needed, e.g. because of subjective content in the comment. Any editor may add attribution from page history if they think it is important (or remove it where it seems like a useless distraction).

If a discussion is worth having but should be moved to a better venue (or has already talk-forked into a thread over there, see the {{Moved discussion to}} template. If the discussion should be firmly closed, e.g. because it is disruptive at its present location, see {{discussion top}}, {{archive top}}, or {{hat}} as appropriate. Templates can be combined, e.g. {{Discussion top|result={{Off-topic thread|reason=Try [[Talk:Underwater nocturnal basketweaving]]. ~~~~ }} }} ... {{discussion bottom}}

Template:Off-topic thread

Usage

See also

Misc