Is this chatfilter and do we want it?

December 27, 2005 3:12 AM

Chatfilter? There's no "problem to be solved" and "each answer is equally valid". Which from what I understand is the normative definition of chat filter. I don't have a problem with chatfilter, but perhaps we could get some clarification, or fixing of the rules.
posted by delmoi to Etiquette/Policy at 3:12 AM (10 comments total)

I mean, matt's already posted to the thread, so obviously it's staying. And my personal feeling is that 'survey' type questions ought to be allowed to stay, the information gathered by the posts can be useful for the asker.
posted by delmoi at 3:12 AM on December 27, 2005

Yeah, I don't see anything wrong with these kind of questions either. It's the same level of "no problem to be solved"-ness and "each answer is equally valid"-ness as a question like,

I'm thinking of buying an iPod nano, but I'm not sure. Can you tell me about your positive and negative experiences with it?

And everyone seems happy with those kinds of questions.
posted by chrismear at 3:40 AM on December 27, 2005

The rules are pretty unclear, but I don't know if it's going to be clarified anytime this ever. I think that the rules of thumb that you mention (there is no best answer, survey-esque) are a good way to gauge if a question is likely to be removed or not, but it's not hard-and-fast.

Especially when it's a baby question.
posted by Plutor at 3:58 AM on December 27, 2005

I think the decision as to whether you want to start a family is a little more significant than what sort of consumer toys to spend your money on. Many people are torn over this issue so hearing what others have to say would seem helpful. I don't see why just because there is no correct answer that makes it chatfilter. This is a good use for AskMe.

As for a general rule, I think the questions which lead to useful information for someone tend to work, even if they get a bit chatty. For example, questions like what is your favorite band in such and such genre have led me to finding some good music I didn't know about. However, "what is your favorite color" seems more intended as a conversation starter than as a question designed to lead to useful information, unless of course it is someone's telephone number you seek.
posted by caddis at 4:42 AM on December 27, 2005

metafilter: perhaps we could get some clarification, or fixing of the rules.
posted by quonsar at 7:35 AM on December 27, 2005

For Fuck's Sake, aren't there enough Places out there where the Rules are Fixed and Clear? Does anyone really Expect a Firm and Consistent definition of a Good Question?

I thought it was an Interesting Question because I did. Chatfilter to me is people Enjoying the sound of their own (and others') voice(s), as we all so often do, without much to be Learned. This question is one I hear a Lot of People my age discussing, so I think there is Value in hearing other Opinions on this Major Life Decision.

*checks "Not and/or Good Chatfilter" box, goes off to read Answers with Cheap Vasectomy ad in other hand*
posted by freebird at 8:54 AM on December 27, 2005

It sounded like someone looking for answers to help themselves deal with the question, though it would have helped if they worded that directly in the question itself. It didn't seem like chatting for the sake of chatting.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 9:51 AM on December 27, 2005

And even if it did, it might have stayed.

C'est la vie.
posted by mzurer at 9:53 AM on December 27, 2005

And do remember, we're human all of us. Like death, emotions, relationships, and so on, contemplation about reproduction is an essential question. Essential questions are part of being human.
posted by plinth at 10:20 AM on December 27, 2005

Remember the bay project? Baby stuff is inviolate.
posted by scarabic at 11:12 AM on December 27, 2005