So it’s time for another Overflow thread, as part of our system for keeping other threads on-topic. There are Rules here - please follow the guidelines for managing drift into and out of this thread..
DO NOT treat this as an Open Thread (which is where off-topic discursive chitchat belongs) – the #overflow has a very separate purpose. Overflow threads are set apart for more contentious side discussions (especially perennial stoushes) to avoid disruptive thread-clutter that discourages other commentors from continuing on-topic discourse.
When first transferring your side-discussion to a particular Overflow thread it is expected that you provide context for fellow readers, so ensure that you include permalinks to the relevant originating comments on other threads (including previous Overflow threads). Respondents should also reference relevant comments in other threads if a need for further context is perceived.
Be ruthless with self-managing the inevitable thread-drift tendencies which will happen on Overflow. Once a thread drifts back on-topic or away from points of contention towards more general interest, then on-topic drift needs to be taken back to the originating thread, and general interest drift needs to be taken to the weekly Salon open thread. Then the many LP readers who prefer to avoid zombie stoushes on Overflow can appreciate you rejoining the general discourse.
