A contribution is on-topic if it is within the bounds of the current discussion, article, etc. The term is normally used in the context of mailing lists, discussion groups, discussion forums, bulletin boards, newsgroups, and wikis.

The opposite of on-topic is off-topic. A contribution may be off-topic with regard to a thread/page/etc., or with regard to the whole site/newsgroup/etc., which is often established for dealing with specific topics.

Being on-topic is not generally required to be indicated, but in some groups on-topic discussion is so rare that the header is marked accordingly.

The term "off topic" is sometimes used to indicate a discussion venue where "anything goes." That is, a place to discuss anything other than matters specifically addressed by the website in question. For example, an off topic category on an automobile related discussion forum may include talk about video games (which presumably have nothing to do with autos).

Some discussion venues, especially with regard to forums, have no specific content and are comprised mainly of largely unrelated postings by a large number of users. Such venues are described as being "off topic" in nature, even though there may be no "on topic."

External links

• alwaysofftopic.com - A blog didicated to the off topic.
• forums.offtopic.com - A large off topic forum
• cheesepie.org - A smaller off topic forum
• Splash Splash - Example of an off-topic series of posts

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