When I created a Mental Health Community, I did not have off topic section. I had one section called "Mental Health Issues in Popular Media" and people started posting off topic content there. Later, I had to create off topic section. On my investment forums, I never created any off topic section but I found that a lot of users were not strictly posting on topics.

 

Generally speaking, I do not like off topic section on niche forums. I believe you either run a general discussion forum or niche forum. But looks like users do not think that way, a lot of users are also interested in posting on off topic section even in niche forums. Now, I have come to a conclusion that you need off topic section even on niche forums. What do you say?

I totally get where you're coming from. In an ideal world, a niche forum would stay focused on its main topic, but in reality, people like to build connections beyond that. An off-topic section can actually help keep the main areas cleaner because people have a designated space for casual discussions. Plus, it makes the community feel more personal—when users bond over shared interests outside the niche, they’re more likely to stick around and engage more overall.

 

That being said, I think balance is key. If the off-topic section takes over and becomes more active than the niche discussions, it might shift the forum’s focus too much. But as long as it complements the main purpose, I’d say it’s a good thing!

This is exactly why I wrote this article:

 

[EMBED content=ams_article-34]https://administrata.net/articles/you-should-embrace-off-topic-posts-on-your-online-community.34/[/EMBED]

 

You cannot expect to have a community without an off topic section. This is where the bonding is done. Niche discussions are for debates, long-form discussion and thoughtful responses. Off topic is just for having a laugh and fun, it's easier to bond with.

An off topic section is where most of the community bonding takes place and without it, the community will not do well.

 

It’s a place to relax and have fun. Every community should have one. If a community doesn’t have one, it’ll be really hard to keep it going as users will flock to one that’s more enjoyable and laid back.

 

A strong community always needs a place for users to bond instead of just niche discussions. It’s how you build a thriving community.

Sure thing. An off-topic section helps members leave no stone unturned as far as convos go, if you know what I mean.

 

Which explains why an off-topic section helps make a forum "complete," in my opinion.

Some forums can actually thrive without an off-topic section... such as one where I've been a member of for almost then years but it actually got rid of it as it attracted spam, at least according to its rather-strict admin who's no longer around. Another forum I'm on has an off-topic section, but wants threads there of a technological nature (hence why it's called "General Technical Chat").

It's not needed, but it can get more returning users if your members want to chat about topics not related to the main sections.

Some forums can actually thrive without an off-topic section... such as one where I've been a member of for almost then years but it actually got rid of it as it attracted spam, at least according to its rather-strict admin who's no longer around. Another forum I'm on has an off-topic section, but wants threads there of a technological nature (hence why it's called "General Technical Chat").

How many forums have you seen thrive without an off topic section?

 

Neogaf has an off topic area and they’re one of the largest gaming forums.

https://www.neogaf.com/

 

I’d say about 95% of online communities have an off topic area and if they don’t, they’re not that active.

 

If forums strived without them, then we’d see other of forums using them.

I think every niche forum now days should have a off topic section. It's a place for those to unwind and talk about things other than the niche. Though what I did recently on my latest forum was to make the off topic section available to those with 10 or more posts. This is to ensure there's some conversations going on in the on topic sections, and to reward members for being active.

How many forums have you seen thrive without an off topic section?

About two I think... the other was the Game Maker Community forum.