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From	Message
tipsyjourneyman 24-Sep-12, 07:55	What's in a Name? Hey some good stuff my fellow club members, but here's another topic for discussion to add to the flowering threads. The talk of name changing over Chess Openings way got me to thinking about changing this club's name to Chess And General. Let's face it, if a member begun a thread on a non chess topic would I allow it? Of course, indeed to not allow it would contravene my own stated views on moderation! I may be many things but not a hypocrite! So, then I thought, well, if you're going to allow general discussion might as well acknowledge this. BUT, there is a counter argument. A general forum could attract a multitude of members wishing to discuss general political issues and these threads could then quickly consume other members time and detract from that which unites us all: Chess! Here, as in the Chess Openings forum, only those members who wish to talk primarily about Chess, and maybe occasionally about other things, join and should a thread occasionally digress well no harm done. And thus the nature of the name operates as a type of low level filter. Your thoughts? Tipsy
chilliman64 25-Sep-12, 15:25	I think if a club is too specialised in its approach or topic selection it is limiting its ability to attract new members and potential contributions. some clubs aren't up for 'off-topic' threads if they diverge too far from the club ideal, a general discussion theme including chess topics seems practical. I say go for the name change and see what happens - it is likely the number of members and topics will flourish.
johnclark 25-Sep-12, 16:04	It all in the purpose If the club's purpose is to provide a forum for discussion and exploration of a specific topic, then off topic threads are exactly that- off topic. So why encourage them?
chilliman64 25-Sep-12, 16:19	when I say off-topic I refer to topics that are not strictly in line with the Club's charter. I think that is what tipsy is saying - by changing the name to something other than Chess In General, which seems to suggest the club is only for topics related to chess, it may stimulate additional interest in this club. some potential members may see the club name and be discouraged as they don't want to join and be limited to only discussing chess. tipsy is proposing a name change to reflect a more liberal platform for discussion that is not limited to chess related topics. the current club name suggests chess-only topics are discussed here (how boring). if I've missed your point tipsy please feel free to correct me.
johnclark 25-Sep-12, 16:30	"some potential members may see the club name and be discouraged as they don't want to join and be limited to only discussing chess." Then what is your purpose? To get members? Or explore your topic?
chilliman64 25-Sep-12, 16:51	ask tipsy - he's the one who tabled the proposed change
johnclark 25-Sep-12, 17:14	I didn't mean to single you out. You expressed what I see is a common concern- membership. My question (and not just to tipsy) is how much should attracting members play in determining the club's purpose?
tipsyjourneyman 26-Sep-12, 00:46	The Crux of the Matter This, plus Chilli and JC's posts in Mod Madness reach the crux of the matter. The club is for fruitful discussion, primarily of chess and GK though other topics are welcome. Discussions are more fruitful with a greater pool of potential contributors and so an increase in membership should serve to help this club achieve its aim. But, at current, everyone is here first and foremost for chess discussion or discussion relating to GK. I, or anyone else here, would only begin a general discussion, an "off-topic" discussion, as the minority of our contributions. And so, that is the type of member I wish to attract, those who wish to mostly discuss chess and GK but, through not being chess-focused automatons, and thus humans with more than one interest, may occasionally start a non-chess thread. (Which is no great crime, in my book.) And so Chess and General should be a good reflection of this club's intent as Chess is listed FIRST in the name...but it lets potential members know this isn't one of those forums where mods and founder run round like Darlecks screaming "EXTERMINATE!" every time a sentence falls into the unholy territory of "off topic". HOWEVER what I DON'T want is another 1st Amendment Club, where there are a lot of posts but very little is said. The discussion over there is anything but fruitful, which is why I left long ago. Even if everything in the 1st Amendment Club was fruitful, it is also on everything under the sun. If I wanted a club like that I would have called this "The Soap-box" or "The Local". So, worst case scenario, I change the name, the membership explodes but all are members who wish to discuss everything OTHER than chess, that would be the exact opposite of my intention. Of course, I don't think that's likely, mostly I doubt a name change will have much of an effect, but it's more a case of having the name reflect the intention of this club. I think Chess and General reflects my intentions well. And so there you go JC, an increase in membership of this club is a means, not an end. Unless a club was titled "The Biggest Club on GK" that's probably how it should always be, but that's up to the founders individually. Now that I've hopefully clarified what I want this club to be, with that in mind, what do people think of the potential new name?
chilliman64 26-Sep-12, 00:50	as I said earlier - go for it just make it clear to members what this club is all about and pm or moderate as needed
johnclark 26-Sep-12, 08:48	'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet; "Chess & General". "General" what? Chess & Trivia Chess & Bullsh*t Chess & Booze Chess & You name it I'm sure whatever you choose to call the club will be fine, if the content is attractive. (I have way too much time on my hands. )
tipsyjourneyman 26-Sep-12, 08:52	Another Possibility Perhaps the Chess & Let's Get John Clark Club!
johnclark 26-Sep-12, 08:56	LoL!!

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