For me, there're different types of off-topics :
1. the topic slowly changes as the thread goes along, but the posts are good.
2. Chit-chats or smartass remarks (which can be quite interesting) ; stopped after a few posts, not much harm to the threads
3. Chit-chats completely ruining the threads, extremely annoying.
With (3), by all means, close the thread
(2) nothing much to worry about really
(1) it's kinda unavoidable but closing the thread would be too drastic. Maybe the mods could help to split the OT part into a different thread. For example, the "why" thread in the support forum has turned into discussions about IQ and it's a damn good thread. So maybe a different "IQ thread" can be used to avoid confusion and to attract more participation??
Many of us had said here how much we hate off topics but guys and gals, admit it, WE ALL DO IT. So stop putting an innocent face and blame others. If every one of us could make an effort the situation would improve without much drama.
BTW, I can see many members are more aware of the OT issue already so I guess it's a start.
Sorry about this poor quality post. It's 1:a.m. in the morning and I'm ZZZzzz
edited: quote removed.