I'm pretty sure that would also mean anything that wasn't directly related to Vegas, such as copyright questions, contests, questions abou other sony products, camera questions... etc. :(

EDIT: even this thread isa violation of that stuff. ack. :/

Is there a similar forum we could all be on, that we could use for our "off-topic" topics?

http://www.disgruntledmasses.com/ always welcomes off topic posts.

http://www.vegasusers.com/forum/index is also there, but it's very primitive compared to this forum. I suppose i could be urged to improve it.

Every time the "move the OT's to a different forum" topic comes up nobody but 3-4 people actuatly do it.

So, i'd say nobody will this time eigther.

I'd agree the "what are you guys having for lunch?" OTs should not be allowed but I really hope "slightly OTs" are okay.
Randy

I e-mailed the ForumAdmin privately and said that I hope the forum moderation continues as it has recently, and that a fairly broad view is taken regarding what is "off-topic." If you want to do the same, click on the ForumAdmin name and then send an e-mail from the User Profile page. I don't know if it does any good, but it can't hurt.

I'm also a little concerned about limiting posting to only those who already have a registered Sony software serial number. That means that anyone who is thinking of buying Vegas can't post questions about it to this forum before they buy. (Unless they already have some other Sony software product.) I know I wouldn't have initially purchased Vegas if I hadn't been able to get some answers to some very specific questions first.

OTOH, I certainly understand the desire to limit troll posts. I know Serious Magic maintains two forums: one for the general public and one for registered users. Maybe that's an idea.

I really welcome the cleanup of the forum. Thank you, Sony.

As for OT posts, just post what you want and don't worry about it. Recipes for Aunt Mable's marmelade will probably be deleted, but I would hope that issues related to copyright -- even thought they've been asked way too many times -- would still be allowed. If they aren't, I can get that information elsewhere, so it's no big deal. After all, the main purpose of this forum is to learn about how to better use these products.

A small concern of mine about topics like "deshaker" appear to be "off topic" for a forum about editing. Another issue is about DSE and a lot of third party individuals who have developed software around vegas are now appears to be an off topic issue if they say check it out.

I've always thought that one of the coolest things about this forum is the Community behind it. I love being able to ask, OT: What About This, or OT: What About That and almost always getting educated and considered answers.
It would be a serious drag if we can't chat casually here about semi-relate items (like other brands of DVD's, burners, printers, cameras, sandbags, waterbags, lighting, etc.etc.).
Honestly, I understand how things got out of hand, but what a shame it would be to think I can't "Talk" to you guys.

I suspect it's more going to boil down to a question of self-policing. Can it be done? Until recently, I'd have said "yes."
IMO, Sony likely has these forums for two purposes, ...to benefit users and research (in terms of people talking about what they like and wish was different in Vegas)
Having a forum where you see discussions of things like copyright, plugins, or what film had a great technique in it is one thing. Having the forum foul its way into name-calling, attacks on the software from people who haven't even tried it, or people just posting "Vegas Stinks" probably is viewed as damaging to the integrity of the software and by extension, the community. I could be incorrect, but it seems that if threads can be related in some far reach to Vegas, video, or if its not a political, religious, name-calling, mudfest, it'll likely stay.
This is the ONLY forumspace in the entire Sony organization. We should be pretty grateful for that. At least, I know I am. I'd sure hate to lose it because a few rabblerousers or trolls get lots of responses.

I've found most of the OT posts/discussions to be informative and I hope that the moderators continue in the spirit with which the OTs have been treated in the past..

I assume that the purpose of the forum is to help users of Vegas turn out better video. The NLE used is one component of the finished product, but there are many OTs that deal with camera technique and other factors that contribute to a good quality etc.

If I start with really lousy video, then edit it very well in Vegas, the end result will still be something with which Sony would most likely not want their name associated.

It would be unfortunate if the forum became simply the "mechanics of Vegas".

I could be incorrect, but it seems that if threads can be related in some far reach to Vegas, video, or if its not a political, religious, name-calling, mudfest, it'll likely stay.
I couldn't agree more...the troublemakers' names I just searched for have been deleted. If they come back under a new name, hopefully they'll behave and things can get back to the xanadu it used to be.
Randy

OT is another name for "hey, friends, what do you think about . . ." A way for friends to get together.

I am not a frequent poster, by any means. Perhaps I should post more, but I generally learn a lot more by being quiet. But, I am a frequent READER.

If it were not for this forum, IN ITS PRESENT AND PAST GLORY, etc., for the last 3 years, I would very likely have:

1) stopped editing video altogether,
2) never updated my software from Movie Factory. I now own V3,4,5 and 6, Noise Reduction, SonicForge (2 ver), Acid, and lots of other products ONLY because of this forum.

If this forum stops being interesting, well, it all stops.

I ignore the rants, like most people do or should do. I read for knowledge, personality, ideas, and to pass the time. Like most of you. If there is nothing OT, it can become a drag fast.

Goodness, EVERYTHING is on topic. It is all about life. It ain't pretty, and it don't smell good, but it is all we have. Let us roam a bit. It all comes back to more Sony products being sold.

Here it is after lunch, and still no reply from the Admin. <sigh> So what else is new?

Jay, maybe a "no response" is just a "don't worry". Flaming vegas in public is just not good for vegas and its users. Locking out the forum, keeps other corps and "recruiters" from searching the forum databases. And who can not forget the friendly "CEO".

Wasn't intended to flame anyone.

Jay, sorry, the Flaming statement was not for you, I was referring to the general angry posting the last couple of weeks....

So, I guess people won't be able to have links to Vegas related plug-ins or tutorials/books/DVDs if the person posting it stands to make a profit from directing you to it?
That's a shame no? What if that link would've helped someone.
Doesn't that fall under "unsolicited advertising"?

Mario

That's come up before & we think it means you can't post just as an advertisiment. IE randoomdude1 would say "we've got a new vegas plugin that costs $50 to try out.". Then he'd disapear.

For regulars who mae something people can use & anounce it seems to have always been allowed. Those things are also in the Sony catalog, so I don't see what's wrong with announcing them anyway.

The OTHER side of this is that Sony benefits from OTHERS creating plugins for this fine software - don't forget that - eh?

Grazie

. . and it is ALL about partners and partnerships . . . I've developed heaps here abouts . . I WOULDN'T have done so without this and the previous incarnations under SF - Partners . . Customers and USers are partners.

Grazie

Grazie, I agree with you 100%!
I was just asking the question because it's unclear to me, that's all.

Mario