Is that I can't see a problem with going off topic if the thread is a light one, such as Paul arranging a social get-together or someone putting up a joke for everyone to have a go at or add to etc.

I think the problem is if someone has started a serious thread, which requires a discussion or even an answer to a query they have (if it doesn't fit in the more serious forums), then by hijacking it kind of kills the thread and serves no purpose.

Speaking as someone who found this site when in the UK, before coming over to Doha, I typed into google a question about, say, sports clubs in Doha and found a thread in QL. It was informative, but I wonder what I would have thought of the site had the thread suddenly disintegrated in people gossiping and heresay and bickering? For a start I would never had seen some of the REAL info I was looking for and given up, as probably would have the person who posted the question in the first place expecting some knowledge to be imparted!

OK - am going to have a ciggie and down a ginger beer now lol