There's a few sides to look at. If people do NOT take it off topic, the posts will die sooner, meaning a dead board. Like it or not, most forums that are successful have a lot of off-topic shit.
And I'd like to say Jake is one for talking about taking posts off topic, besides the fact that he hasn't posted much in like a year.
Personally I think the main problem with this forum lately is that its like a high school. People bitching, moaning, acting up, sucking up. Most people do that everyday in real life, and want to get away from it.
The bitchiness is reaching an all time high at the moment. But I guess this what the forums are based on.. most of the posts do have somekind of bitchy comment thrown in.. I know I do it too..
I don't know where this point is leading.. so i'll end it